Episcleritis Flashcards
What is episcleritis?
It is defined as a condition in which there is inflammation of the episclera
What is the episclera?
It is the outermost layer of the sclera - situated just underneath the conjunctiva
What two risk factors are associated with episcleritis?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are the clincial features of episcleritis unilateral or bilateral?
Unilateral
What are the five clinical features of episcleritis?
Painless Eye
Eye Erythema
Eye Watering
Photophobia
Mobile Dilated Episcleral Vessels
Describe the eye erythema associated with episcleritis
It tends to be segmented, with a patch in the lateral sclera
What investigation is used to diagnose episcleritis?
Phenylephrine Eye Drop Test
How is the phenylephrine eye drop test used to diagnose episcleritis?
It is the investigation used to differentiate between episcleritis and scleritis
What is the mechanism of action of phenylephrine eye drops?
They blanch conjunctival and episcleral vessels - however not scleral vessels
What phenylephrine eye drop test reuslt indicates episcleritis?
There is decreased eye erythema
What is the management option of episcleritis?
Conservative Management
What is the conservative management option of episcleritis?
It involves advising individuals that episcleritis is a self-limiting disease which should resolve within 1 – 4 weeks
What condition does episcleritis present similarly to?
Scleritis
How do we differentiate between episcleritis and scleritis?
Episcleritis = painless and injected vessels mobilise when gentle pressure is applied on the sclera
Scleritis = painful and injected vessels don’t mobilise when gentle pressure is applied on the sclera
