Download EPISCLERITIS What is episcleritis?

EPISCLERITIS
What is episcleritis?
Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera layer of the eye. The episclera
is a layer of the eye which is between the white of the eye called sclera and
transparent
layer
of
the
eye
called
conjunctiva.
What are the types of episcleritis?
Simple episcleritis:
This is the most common type of episcleritis. The cause is unknown. The
inflammation is usually mild and lasts for a few days to weeks. It can be recurrent
and patients can have symptoms every two to three months.
Nodular episcleritis:
This condition usually lasts longer than the simple type and is more painful. It
affects a quadrant of the eye which is typically raised with a red area. It is usually
related to an underlying health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic
lupus erythematosis (SLE).
What are the symptoms of episcleritis?
 Dull pain
 Eye feels sore
 Redness
 Tender to touch
 Watering
 Light sensitivity
 Raised area of the eye in nodular episcleritis
What are the complications of episcleritis?
A complication of episcleritis is iritis. This is when the coloured part of your
eye (iris) becomes inflamed.
Relapses may also occur.
What are the causes of episcleritis?
In most instances, episcleritis has no known cause. In some cases it's related to
an underlying health condition. This is usually a disease that affects the bones,
cartilage, tendon or other connective tissues of the body, such as:
 Rheumatoid arthritis
 Systemic lupus erythematosis
 Ankylosing spondylitis
 Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
 Gout
Diagnosis of episcleritis
Your GP or optometrist (a healthcare professional who examines eyes, tests
sight and dispenses glasses and contact lenses) will be able to diagnose episcleritis.
Your GP may also carry out further tests, such as a blood test, if he or she
suspects that your episcleritis is related to an underlying health condition. If your
condition is particularly painful or doesn't respond to treatment, you may be referred
to an ophthalmologist.
Treatment for episcleritis
Episcleritis is a condition which clears up on its own in 1 to 2 weeks and
doesn't normally require any treatment.
Medical
 Artificial tears, can be useful in relieving symptoms,
 If your symptoms are severe or you have nodular episcleritis, your GP may
prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as flurbiprofen
(eg Froben).
 If your condition is severe or you have had it for a long time, you may be
prescribed steroid eye drops. The doctor will monitor you closely if you are
prescribe steroid eye drops
Any underlying conditions that have been found as a result of having episcleritis will
also be treated.