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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.