Posterior scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (posteriorly). It is characterized by flattening of the posterior aspect of the globe, thickening of the posterior coats of the eye (choroid and sclera), and retrobulbar edema.
The inflammation associated with posterior scleritis can cause retinal detachment due to the accumulation of exudate under the neural retina.
It usually occurs in 20 to 30-year-old patients and in 20-30% of cases is bilateral.
It may be associated with collagen vascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, relapsing polychondritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Wegener´s granulomatosis, and syphilis.
Patients have pain, photophobia, and decreased vision.