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Episcleritis and Scleritis
Background
Episcleritis and scleritis are separate conditions which can present with some similar features but differ
dramatically in significance. Episcleritis does not progress to scleritis.
Episcleritis is inflammation of the superficial, episcleral layer of the eye. It is relatively common,
benign and self-limiting.
Scleritis is inflammation involving the sclera. It is a severe ocular inflammation, often with ocular
complications, which nearly always requires systemic treatment. [1, 2]
Differentiating episcleritis from scleritis requires careful examination and an understanding of the anatomy. The
blood vessels of the episclera are not easily seen in the non-inflamed eye. There are three plexuses. [3]
Bulbar conjunctival plexus - a superficial plexus of fine vessels overlying and freely moveable over
the episclera. Mainly arteries, when inflamed they are bright red.
Episcleral plexus - straight radially arranged vessels in the superficial episclera. Mainly veins, they
are also moveable over the deep layers (although less easily than the bulbar conjunctival vessels).
When inflamed they give the eye a salmon pink colour.
Deep episcleral plexus (also called scleral plexus) - a criss-cross of vessels closely applied to the
sclera. When inflamed this layer looks bluish red and is immobile.
Examination can determine the depth of inflammation in the eye by observing which of the layers of blood vessels
are inflamed.
Episcleritis
Episcleritis involves inflammation of the episclera. There are generally considered to be two types: [3]
Simple episcleritis: characterised by vascular congestion on an even episcleral surface. This can
affect a single segment of the episclera or all of it (diffuse episcleritis).
Nodular episcleritis: characterised by a discrete elevated area of inflamed episclera.
Episcleritis lasts 7-10 days before spontaneously resolving. If there are underlying systemic predisposing
conditions, episodes may be more prolonged.
Nodular episcleritis is more severe and takes longer to resolve. It is also much more likely to be associated with
systemic disease.
Scleritis
This is much more severe inflammation that occurs throughout the entire thickness of the sclera.
Scleritis is rare, of the order of 0.1% of presentations in the emergency eye clinic, occurring more frequently in
women and generally in an older age group than patients with episcleritis, with a mean age at presentation of 52
years.
It is traditionally classified according to which part of the sclera is affected, a classification developed in 1976. [3] It
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It is traditionally classified according to which part of the sclera is affected, a classification developed in 1976. [3] It
may be anterior (90% of cases) or posterior (10% of cases) and there are four clearly recognisable groups of the
anterior form:
Anterior scleritis (98% of cases) :
Diffuse anterior - this is the most common (and benign) form, characterised by
widespread inflammation of the anterior sclera. It accounts for about 50% of scleritis cases.
It is not usually sight-threatening and tends to resolve. [4]
Nodular - there are erythematous, tender, fixed nodules in the sclera which may (1 in 4
cases) progress to necrotising scleritis. It commonly recurs.
Necrotising - this is less frequent accounting for around 14% of cases and is
characterised by extreme pain and marked scleral damage; it is usually associated with
underlying systemic disease. It is divided into:
Necrotising scleritis with corneal inflammation. This is also known as
sclerokeratitis.
Necrotising scleritis without inflammation (scleromalacia perforans) - (4%
of cases of scleritis). This is notable for its lack of symptoms. It is a severe
disorder of the globe with insidious onset, slow progression and a lack of
symptoms until the bare choroid is seen under the thin layer of the conjunctiva. It
is bilateral and is only seen with advanced rheumatoid arthritis (usually in
women).
Posterior scleritis (2% of cases) - affects the back of the eye and is rare and difficult to diagnose. It
affects women more often than men. It can present with severe eye pain, retinal detachment,
choroidal folds and loss of vision. About one third of patients with posterior scleritis have associated
anterior scleritis. Posterior scleritis can lead to rapid permanent visual loss.
The diffuse and nodular types are the most prevalent, accounting for around 90%.
Particularly important is the recognition of necrotising scleritis, which is frequently associated with greater
complications and worse outcomes. Necrotising scleritis needs early, aggressive therapy, as conventional steroid
therapy is generally insufficient.
The severity of scleritis is typically graded on a scale of 1-4 as there is no standardised system for grading
severity. Standardisation of this grading would be useful both for patient care and for research. Various systems
which include area and severity of inflammation have been proposed but not universally adopted. [5, 6]
Epidemiology
Episcleritis
Most cases of episcleritis have no identifiable cause, although a small number are associated with
systemic inflammatory conditions.
The condition can be recurrent, with attacks typically recurring every few months.
The prevalence is uncertain (as many patients probably do not present) but it occurs most frequently
in younger patients: young adult to fifth decade.
A 2013 study estimated incidence of episcleritis as 41.0 per 100,000 per year and prevalence at
52.6. [7]
Scleritis
Scleritis often appears in association with other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
and granulomatosis - the histopathological changes are characteristic of a chronic granulomatous
disease.
Scleritis may be the first symptom of onset of connective tissue disease.
A 2013 study estimated the incidence of scleritis at 3.4 per 100,000 per year and the prevalence at
5.2. [7]
There is a higher incidence at greater age and in women rather than men. Patients with scleritis were
reported as older than those with episcleritis.
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Presentation
It is important to distinguish between the two conditions in a systematic manner and specifically to rule out
scleritis when diagnosing episcleritis. [8]
Both conditions present with a red eye which may be painful.
Episcleral vessels can be moved with a cotton bud. When phenylephrine 10% is applied, they blanch
(this will also dilate the pupil).
Scleral vessels appear darker, follow a radial pattern, are immobile and do not blanch.
Episcleritis is generally a mild condition with no associated ocular symptoms; scleritis tends to cause
severe pain with associated symptoms. Occasionally, however, the symptoms of scleritis can be mild,
particularly early in the condition (which can have a gradual onset).
Scleritis is best detected by examining the sclera in daylight, retracting the lids to obtain the best view.
Visual acuity testing will usually be normal in episcleritis but can be normal in scleritis.
Slit-lamp examination will detect intraocular inflammation in scleritis and may help assess severity. CT
scan, MRI and ultrasound may also help determine extent of involvement.
The table below compares and contrasts the signs and symptoms of typical cases.
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Episcleritis
Scleritis
Presentation
Acute onset of redness
with discomfort (more
gradual in nodular
episcleritis).
May present late, as
symptoms mild.
Discomfort, grittiness,
aching in or around the
eye. Very rarely, marked
pain.
40% bilateral.
Localised or diffuse red
eye.
Watering and
occasional mild
photophobia.
No other associated
ocular symptoms.
No discharge other than
watering.
Visual acuity normal.
Subacute or gradual onset (In scleromalacia perforans and
posterior scleritis there may be no anterior redness).
Presents early, as symptoms are severe.
Boring eye pain, often radiating to the forehead, brow and jaw
and usually severe. Worst in necrotising scleritis; may be mild
or absent in scleromalacia perforans.
Pain worse with movement of the eye and at night (may wake
the patient).
50% bilateral.
Localised or diffuse red eye.
Associated watering, photophobia.
No discharge other than watering.
Gradual decrease in vision.
Diplopia (posterior disease).
Occasional associated systemic symptoms (fever, vomiting,
headache).
Scleromalacia perforans may present with minimal/no
symptoms.
Posterior scleritis may present with very severe symptoms but
a quiet white eye.
Rarely, posterior scleritis presents with decreased visual acuity
in the absence of pain. [3, 9]
Past history
Recurrent episodes are
common.
May be associated with
systemic disease but
this is unusual.
Recurrent episodes are common.
Commonly associated with systemic disease which may be
severe.
Signs
relating to
presentation
Sectoral/diffuse
redness.
Engorged episcleral
vessels extending
radially.
Translucent white
nodule may be present
within the inflamed
area.
Visual acuity is normal.
Visual acuity may be reduced or normal.
Anterior
Sectoral or diffuse redness.
Scleral, episcleral and conjunctival vessels all involved.
Sclera may take on a bluish tinge (best seen on gross
examination in natural daylight) ± may be thin and
oedematous.
The globe is tender.
Scleromalacia perforans: may be enlarging and coalescing
yellow necrotic nodules ± scleral thinning (actual perforation is
rare unless intraocular pressure is elevated).
Posterior
Lid oedema.
Proptosis.
Optic disc swelling.
Retinal detachment can occur.
Other ocular
signs
Corneal involvement is possible but
rare.
Up to 10% of cases have an
associated anterior uveitis.
May be associated with:
Corneal involvement.
Glaucoma.
Uveitis.
Retinal detachment.
Cataract formation.
Rapid-onset refractive changes.
Differential diagnosis
Episcleritis/scleritis (each is in the differential diagnosis list for the other).
Uveitis.
Conjunctivitis.
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Contact lens-related problem.
Posterior scleritis has a more extensive list of differential diagnoses including:
Optic neuritis.
Retinal detachment.
Tumours of the choroid.
Orbital inflammatory disease/mass.
Uveal effusion syndrome.
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, a granulomatous uveitis with retinal detachment mainly seen in Asian,
Middle Eastern, Hispanic and Native American patients.
Intraocular lymphoma.
Episcleritis - investigations
A simple case of episcleritis need not be investigated once a thorough history is taken and examination is carried
out to rule out the possibility of an associated systemic disease (see 'Associated diseases', below). If there is a
suspicion, biochemical tests should be performed as guided by concern (eg, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid
factor, serum uric acid levels, etc). Patients who are more likely to have associated conditions include those with
nodular disease and individuals with severe recurrent episodes.
Episcleritis - associated diseases [10]
This condition is most commonly idiopathic but 30% of cases are associated with underlying systemic
disease.
The most commonly associated systemic disorders are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Hyperuricaemia is seen in about 11%.
Connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus
erythematosus and Wegener's granulomatosis have also been associated with recurring episcleritis.
Infectious causes are less common but include herpes zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, Lyme
disease, syphilis, hepatitis B and brucellosis. [11] More rarely, fungi and parasitic infestations may be
associated with episcleritis.
Miscellaneous associations include rosacea, atopy, lymphoma and thyroid eye disease.
A foreign body or chemical insult may also cause episcleritis.
There are some very rare but documented associations with a number of other conditions, including Tcell leukaemia, paraproteinaemia, paraneoplastic syndromes, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, adrenal
cortical insufficiency and progressive hemifacial atrophy.
Episcleritis - management [8]
Episcleritis can be uncomfortable, although it is not usually described as painful by patients. and treatment
focuses on decreasing symptoms with lubricating eye drops of ointment. More severe cases may be treated with
topical corticosteroids or oral anti-inflammatory medications.
Artificial tears may provide some relief, particularly in nodular disease.
The use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be helpful in more symptomatic
patients.
Where the episode is more severe, a short course of topical steroids may be required (under the
supervision of an ophthalmologist).
Nodular episcleritis may respond best to oral NSAIDs.
It is important to review patients (a week after initial presentation is adequate) to ensure resolution of
symptoms.
If the episode is severe, not resolving or if it recurs more than three times, it is appropriate to refer to
the Eye Clinic.
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Episcleritis - complications
Involvement of ocular structures is rare: there may occasionally be corneal involvement (in the form of
inflammatory cell infiltrates or oedema) and recurrent attacks over a period of years may induce some degree of
slight scleral thinning. Complications more commonly occur in those patients who have repeatedly required
topical steroid treatment over a number of years. They include cataract formation, ocular hypertension and
steroid-induced glaucoma. There may also be rebound inflammation from steroid withdrawal. [12]
Episcleritis - prognosis [4]
This is a mild, self-limiting disease which tends to resolve fully over 1-2 weeks (5-6 weeks in nodular episcleritis)
but patients should be aware that episodes may recur in the same or the fellow eye. Treatment-related
complications are the most common cause of visual impairment in these patients (hence the need to recognise
the benign nature of this disease and not to overtreat).
Scleritis - investigations
In cases of scleritis frequency of association and the severity of these associated problems means that it has to
be assumed that there is an underlying cause until proven otherwise. Every effort should be made to rule out
associated pathology.
Depending on clinical suspicion, biochemical tests (eg, FBC and inflammatory markers, rheumatoid
screen, syphilis screen), urine dipstick for blood and protein, B-scan ultrasonography of the globe,
plain X-rays (chest and sacroiliac joints), MRI or CT imaging (sinuses and orbits) may be indicated.
In a patient with no previously diagnosed systemic disease, it is particularly important to rule out
systemic vasculitis, as this is the least likely to have been previously diagnosed and it is a potentially
life-threatening disorder. [13]
Usually, investigations will be carried out jointly between the ophthalmologists and other relevant hospital
specialists.
Scleritis - associated diseases [10]
At least 50% of patients have an underlying systemic disease. [4]
In 15% of cases, the scleritis is the first presentation of a collagen vascular disorder, preceding it by
one to several months.
Scleritis is frequently associated with connective tissue diseases of which rheumatoid arthritis is by far
the most common. Other connective tissue diseases seen are Wegener's granulomatosis, relapsing
polychondritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reactive arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa and ankylosing
spondylitis.
Other common associations include gout, Churg-Strauss syndrome and syphilis.
Scleritis may occur following ocular surgery. It tends to present as intense inflammation adjacent to
the surgical site, usually within six months of the procedure. There is an association with the presence
of underlying disease. [14]
Less common associations include tuberculosis and local infections (usually spreading from a corneal
ulcer) - common causative organisms are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Staphylococcus aureus and varicella-zoster virus. It may also occur with Lyme disease. Fungal
scleritis is very rare but should be suspected when the condition is not responding to
immunosuppressive therapy. [15]
More unusual causes of scleritis include:
Sarcoidosis.
Hypertension.
Parasitic infestation.
Lymphoma. [16]
Trauma/foreign body. [17]
Bisphosphonate medication - it has also been reported in patients taking
bisphosphonates. [18]
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Scleritis - management [19]
Suspect scleritis should be referred immediately to the ophthalmologists. Patients should all be under specialist
care (usually co-managed by the ophthalmologists and rheumatologists).
Management will depend on the type of scleritis and on whether there is any underlying systemic
disease.
All patients with scleritis should have any underlying disease addressed urgently.
In cases of infectious scleritis, systemic antibiotics will always be required and immunosuppressants
must be used with particular care.
Diffuse anterior scleritis and nodular scleritis
This is treated initially with oral NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen 400 mg qds).
If oral NSAIDs are not effective then oral prednisolone (eg, 80 mg od) can be used.
A subconjunctival or periorbital steroid injection may be effective although this remains controversial.
If this is not effective, immunosuppressive therapy such as methotrexate, azathioprine,
mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, or ciclosporin may be helpful. It may take several weeks to
adjust the treatment to produce a satisfactory result.
Biological response modifiers (BRMs), such as infliximab or adalimumab, may be effective. Other
alternatives are golimumab, certolizumab, tocilizumab and rituximab.
Cyclophosphamide should be the first choice in treating patients with associated potentially lethal
vasculitic diseases, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or polyarteritis nodosa.
Diagnostic biopsy can be helpful.
Surgery can be required to address complications such as cataract formation and intractable
glaucoma.
Generally those with a lower degree of inflammation respond to NSAID treatment alone, whilst those
with more severe inflammation required steroid treatment. Those with nodular disease (particularly
those with associated systemic disease) are more likely to respond to immune modifying therapies,
particularly alkylating agents - eg, methotrexate. [19]
Necrotising anterior scleritis
This is managed with systemic steroids and immunosuppressive therapies and may need surgical
intervention if perforation is impending. [20]
Cyclophosphamide should be the first choice in treating patients with an underlying systemic vasculitis
such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis or polyarteritis nodosa.
In case of therapeutic failure, BRMs such as infliximab or adalimumab may be effective. Other
alternatives are golimumab, certolizumab, tocilizumab and rituximab. [21]
Periocular steroid injections should not be used in necrotising scleritis; they may exacerbate the
condition.
Pulsed intravenous cyclophosphamide with or without pulsed intravenous corticosteroids may be
required for urgent cases.
Scleromalacia perforans [22]
There is no specific effective treatment.
Topical treatment is insufficient.
Topical ciclosporin A has been tried, as have immunosuppressants, biological agents and tumour
necrosis factor inhibitors.
Surgical treatment may be needed to preserve globe integrity where the uvea is exposed. Patch grafts
or pedicle flaps may be useful.
Posterior scleritis [23]
Younger patients usually respond well to oral NSAIDs but elderly patients with associated disease or
patients in whom there is a threat to vision are managed as with anterior non-necrotising scleritis.
There are emerging treatment modalities such as infliximab. [24] However, these remain the remit of
sub-specialist and research centres.
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Scleritis - complications
Scleral thinning.
Ischaemia of the anterior segment of the globe.
Raised intraocular pressure.
Retinal detachment.
Uveitis.
Cataract.
Phthisis (globe atrophy).
Scleritis - prognosis
When scleritis originates from a systemic disorder, its course tends to follow that of the underlying problem.
Where there is non-necrotising scleritis, the visual prognosis is usually reasonable providing that there
are no ocular complications (eg, uveitis).
Anterior necrotising scleritis with inflammation is the most severe and distressing form of the disease.
Most patients have an associated vascular disease and this also carried a significant mortality. Visual
prognosis is poor.
Posterior scleritis, in patients aged over 50, is associated with an increased risk of harbouring
systemic disease and suffering visual loss.
Scleritis - prevention
There are no clear-cut preventative measures other than the rigorous control of the progression of any underlying
disease and early treatment of the scleritis to minimise the risk of visual loss.
Further reading & references
Moorfields Manual of Ophthalmology
Episcleritis; Moorfields Hospital Accident and Emergency Department Patient Information Leaflet
Oxford Eye Hospital: Episcleritis and Scleritis: Information for patients
The Wills Eye Manual
Clinical Ophthalmology: ASystematic Approach
1. Jabs DA, Mudun A, Dunn JP, et al; Episcleritis and scleritis: clinical features and treatment results. Am J Ophthalmol. 2000
Oct;130(4):469-76.
2. Berchicci L, Miserocchi E, Di Nicola M, et al; Clinical features of patients with episcleritis and scleritis in an Italian tertiary
care referral center. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2014 May-Jun;24(3):293-8. doi: 10.5301/ejo.5000394. Epub 2013 Nov 12.
3. Watson PG, Hayreh SS; Scleritis and episcleritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1976 Mar;60(3):163-91.
4. Moorfields Manual of Ophthalmology
5. Sen HN, Sangave AA, Goldstein DA, et al; Astandardized grading system for scleritis. Ophthalmology. 2011 Apr;118(4):76871. Epub 2010 Nov 20.
6. McCluskey P, Wakefield D; Prediction of response to treatment in patients with scleritis using a standardised scoring
system. Aust N Z J Ophthalmol. 1991 Aug;19(3):211-5.
7. Honik G, Wong IG, Gritz DC; Incidence and prevalence of episcleritis and scleritis in Northern California. Cornea. 2013
Dec;32(12):1562-6. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e3182a407c3.
8. Heron E, Gutzwiller-Fontaine M, Bourcier T; [Scleritis and episcleritis: diagnosis and treatment]. Rev Med Interne. 2014
Sep;35(9):577-85. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2014.02.004. Epub 2014 Mar 15.
9. Saikia P, Nashed A, Helbig H, et al; Bilateral posterior scleritis: an idiopathic painless presentation. Ocul Immunol Inflamm.
2010 Dec;18(6):452-3. Epub 2010 Oct 10.
10. Pavesio CE, Meier FM; Systemic disorders associated with episcleritis and scleritis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2001
Dec;12(6):471-8.
11. Gungor K, Bekir NA, Namiduru M; Recurrent episcleritis associated with brucellosis. Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2001
Feb;79(1):76-8.
12. Denniston AKO, Murray PI; Oxford Handbook of Ophthalmology, Oxford University Press, 2009
13. Akpek EK, Thorne JE, Qazi FA, et al; Evaluation of patients with scleritis for systemic disease. Ophthalmology. 2004
Mar;111(3):501-6.
14. Rich RM, Smiddy WE, Davis JL; Infectious scleritis after retinal surgery. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Apr;145(4):695-9. Epub
2008 Feb 1.
15. Sawant SD, Biswas J; Fungal scleritis with exudative retinal detachment. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2010 Dec;18(6):457-8.
Epub 2010 Sep 16.
16. Thakker MM, Perez VL, Moulin A, et al; Multifocal nodular episcleritis and scleritis with undiagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Ophthalmology. 2003 May;110(5):1057-60.
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17. Ramirez-Ortiz MA, Vasquez-Resendis A; Isolated bilateral posterior scleritis after eye trauma. J AAPOS. 2007 Jun;11(3):2845. Epub 2007 Jan 25.
18. Etminan M, Forooghian F, Maberley D: CMAJ. 2012 May 15; 184(8): E431–E434. Inflammatory ocular adverse events with
the use of oral bisphosphonates: a retrospective cohort study
19. Sainz de la Maza M, Molina N, Gonzalez-Gonzalez LA, et al; Scleritis therapy. Ophthalmology. 2012 Jan;119(1):51-8. doi:
10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.07.043. Epub 2011 Oct 19.
20. McCluskey; Scleritis, Fundamentals of Ophthalmology Series, BMJ Books, 2001
21. Onal S, Kazokoglu H, Koc A, et al; Rituximab for remission induction in a patient with relapsing necrotizing scleritis
associated with limited Wegener's granulomatosis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2008 Sep-Oct;16(5):230-2.
22. Kopacz et al.; Scleromalacia Perforans: What We Know and What We Can Do. J Clinic Experiment Ophthalmol 2013, S2
23. Machado Dde O, Curi AL, Bessa TF, et al; [Posterior scleritis: clinical features, systemic association, treatment and
evolution of 23 patients]. Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2009 May-Jun;72(3):321-6.
24. Sassa Y, Kawano YI, Yamana T, et al; Achange in treatment from etanercept to infliximab was effective to control scleritis in
a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Ophthalmol. 2011 Apr 6. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.02090.x.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical
conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its
accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
For details see our conditions.
Original Author:
Dr Olivia Scott
Current Version:
Dr Mary Lowth
Peer Reviewer:
Dr Hayley Willacy
Document ID:
2755 (v23)
Last Checked:
17/08/2015
Next Review:
15/08/2020
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