Episcleritis

Understanding Episcleritis: Mild Eye Inflammation

Episcleritis is a frequent, usually harmless inflammatory illness that affects the episclera, which is the thin layer of tissue between the conjunctiva and the sclera. It is usually self-limiting and less serious than scleritis. Episcleritis can affect one or both eyes and is most frequent in young to middle-aged adults.
Causes

Although the exact cause of episcleritis is often unknown, systemic autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease may be associated with it. In some circumstances, it might occur in the absence of an underlying systemic illness.
Symptoms

The main signs of episcleritis are:

There could be either localized or diffuse redness in the eye.
Mild ocular discomfort or sensitivity
The absence of acute discomfort or vision abnormalities distinguishes it from scleritis.

Diagnoses and treatments

A clinical eye examination, often using a slit lamp, diagnoses episcleritis. It is critical to rule out potentially dangerous illnesses such as scleritis.

Treatment often includes:

Artificial tears: To alleviate agony.
For more severe situations, consider topical steroids or NSAIDs.We recommend a systemic evaluation if autoimmune diseases are present.

Most issues resolve within one to two weeks. Regular check-ups ensure proper management and early detection of any underlying systemic disorders.