Episcleritis

Question 1

What is episcleritis?

Answer 1

Benign and self-limiting inflammation of the episclera

Question 2

What are risk factors for episcleritis?

Answer 2

• Younger/middle aged adults
• Associated with inflammatory disorders such as RA and IBD

Question 3

How does episcleritis present?

Answer 3

• Acute unilateral symptoms
• Usually not painful but can have mild pain
• Redness around the lateral sclera
• Foreign body sensation
• Watery eye

Question 4

How is episcleritis investigated?

Answer 4

• Phenylephrine drops may be used to differentiate episcleritis from scleritis where eye redness will improve after drops if episcleritis

Question 5

How is episcleritis managed?

Answer 5

• Referral to ophthalmologist if any doubt
• Conservative management
• Artificial tears may be used