Scleral thinning in relapsing polychondritis

The dark area in the sclera is typical of the scleromalacia that may occur in patients with relapsing polychondritis. This darkening results from thinning of the sclera, which allows the pigment of the underlying choroid to be seen. Inflammatory manifestations such as episcleritis, scleritis, conjunctivitis, and iritis may precede scleromalacia.