Episcleritis

Episcleritis
Eye with Episcleritis
Specialty	Ophthalmology
Symptoms	Photophobia, hot/prickly/gritty sensation in eye,[1] Eye redness without pain, Watery eyes
Types	Nodular and simple/diffuse
Diagnostic method	History and physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Scleritis, Pinguecula
Treatment	Artificial tears, supportive care
Medication	Topical corticosteroids Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prognosis	Good

Episcleritis is a benign, self-limiting inflammatory disease affecting part of the eye called the episclera. The episclera is a thin layer of tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and the connective tissue layer that forms the white of the eye (sclera). Episcleritis is a common condition, and is characterized by the abrupt onset of painless eye redness.

There are two types of episcleritis, nodular and simple. Nodular episcleritis lesions have raised surface. Simple episcleritis lesions are flat. There are two subtypes. In diffuse simple episcleritis, inflammation is generalized. In sectoral simple episcleritis, the inflammation is restricted to one region.

Most cases of episcleritis have no identifiable cause, although about a third of cases are associated with various systemic diseases. Often people with episcleritis experience it recurrently. Treatment focuses on decreasing discomfort, and includes lubricating eye drops. More severe cases may be treated with topical corticosteroids or oral anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).