What symptom is commonly reported in patients with posterior scleritis?

In patients with posterior scleritis, the symptom of a swollen optic disc is commonly reported due to the inflammation affecting the sclera's posterior aspect, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and secondary optic nerve dysfunction. This inflammation results in a significant swelling of the optic nerve head, creating a visible change during an eye examination.

The other symptoms listed, while they may occur in various ocular or neurological conditions, are not as characteristic of posterior scleritis. For instance, loss of vision can occur but is typically a consequence of more advanced or complicated forms of ocular pathology, not a primary indicator of posterior scleritis. Similarly, floating spots in vision, or floaters, are more commonly associated with vitreous changes rather than inflammation at the level of the sclera. Severe headache can be associated with various conditions involving increased intracranial pressure, but it is not exclusive to or a prominent feature of posterior scleritis specifically. Therefore, the swollen optic disc stands out as a key clinical sign linked directly to posterior scleritis.