Ophthalmology - Episcleritis

Question 1

What is episcleritis?

Answer 1

Benign and self-limiting inflammation of the episclera, the outermost layer of the sclera, just below the conjunctiva

Not caused by infection

Question 2

In which age group is episcleritis relatively common?

Answer 2

Young and middle-aged adults

Question 3

What inflammatory disorders are associated with episcleritis?

Answer 3

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Question 4

What are the typical features of episcleritis presentation?

Answer 4

• Acute-onset unilateral redness
• Localised or diffuse redness
• No pain (or mild pain)
• Dilated episcleral vessels

Question 5

How can you differentiate between episcleritis and scleritis?

Answer 5

None of these present in episcleritis
* Photophobia
* Discharge
* Impaired visual acuity

Phenylephrine eye drops can be used to help differentiate

Causes blanching of episcleral vessels causing redness to disappear, does not affect scleral vessels, no impact on redness in scleritis

Question 6

How long does episcleritis take to resolve?

Answer 6

1-2 weeks

Question 7

What treatments may be used for mild cases of episcleritis?

Answer 7

• Analgesia (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Lubricating eye drops

Question 8

What treatment may be used for more severe cases of episcleritis?

Answer 8

Steroid eye drops.