Episcleritis

Question 1

What is episcleritis?

Answer 1

Benign, self-limiting inflammation of the episclera (outermost layer of sclera).

Question 2

Which groups is episcleritis most common in?

Answer 2

Young and middle-aged adults

Question 3

Is episcleritis usually caused by infection?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What are the conditions associated with episcleritis?

Answer 4

Inflammatory disorders - rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease

Question 5

What is the typical presentation of episcleritis?

Answer 5

1. Acute onset unilateral symptoms.
2. Typically not painful but can be mild pain.
3. Segmental redness (rather than diffuse), patch of redness in lateral sclera.
4. Foreign body sensation
5. Dilated episcleral vessels
6. Watering of the eye
7. No discharge

Question 6

What is the management for episcleritis?

Answer 6

Self-limiting, in mild cases no treatment is necessary.
Lubricating eye drops can help symptoms.
Simple analgesia, cold compresses and safety net advice.
More severe cases may benefit from NSAIDs or eye steroids.

Question 7

How long does episcleritis take to heal?

Answer 7

1-4 weeks