Episcleritis Flashcards
What is episcleritis?
The acute onset of inflammation in the episclera of one or both eyes.
What is the most common cause of episcleritis?
Idiopathic.
Name two conditions associated with episcleritis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What are the common features of episcleritis?
- Red eye
- Classically not painful, but mild pain/irritation is common
- Watering
- Mild photophobia
How can the injected vessels in episcleritis be characterized?
The injected vessels are mobile when gentle pressure is applied on the sclera.
How do the injected vessels in scleritis differ from those in episcleritis?
In scleritis, the vessels are deeper and do not move.
What role do phenylephrine drops play in diagnosing episcleritis?
Phenylephrine blanches the conjunctival and episcleral vessels but not the scleral vessels.
What indicates a diagnosis of episcleritis when using phenylephrine?
If the eye redness improves after phenylephrine.
What percentage of episcleritis cases are bilateral?
Approximately 50%.
What is the management approach for episcleritis?
Conservative.
What treatment may sometimes be used for symptom relief in episcleritis?
Artificial tears.
