Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentTreatmentWhat You Should Know
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
What You Should Know
Episcleritis is an acute inflammatory disorder of the episclera, the thin tissue between the clear membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva) and thewhite of the eye (sclera). The episclera houses a thin network of blood vessels. Episcleritis usually looks much worse than it actually is. Although most cases of episcleritis go away on their own if left alone long enough, some cases are linked to hidden inflammatory problems present somewhere else in the body.Creative RF / Getty ImagesSymptomsEpiscleritis sometimes produces a section of redness in one or both eyes. Some people may develop a white nodule of tissue in the center of the redness, known as nodular episcleritis.Many people with episcleritis have some associated pain or discomfort, but others have none. Other symptoms that may occur with episcleritis are sensitivity to light (photophobia) and a watery discharge from the eyes.CausesIn most cases of episcleritis, healthcare providers find it difficult to find out a clear cause. In more severe forms of episcleritis, underlying conditions such asinflammatory bowel disease,Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are usually the culprits.Other conditions that cause inflammation of the episclera include:Rheumatoid arthritisand psoriatic arthritisPolyarteritis nodosaSarcoidosisLupusAnkylosing spondylitisTypes of EpiscleritisThere are two forms of episcleritis: simple and nodular.Simple episcleritis:The most common type, simple episcleritis causes bouts of recurring inflammation. Each bout usually lasts from 7 to 10 days, although longer episodes may occur when the condition is associated with another systemic condition.Nodular episcleritis:Nodular episcleritis produces more painful attacks of inflammation. Many people with nodular episcleritis have an associated systemic disease.TreatmentEpiscleritis may go away on its own within 3 weeks if left untreated. Most healthcare providers treat episcleritis to hasten recovery. Treatment of episcleritis usually involves the following:Topical corticosteroid eye drops given several times per dayTopical lubricant eye drops such asartificial tearsCold compresses a few times a dayTopical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)Oral NSAIDs may be prescribed in more severe casesWhat You Should KnowIn some cases of episcleritis,scleritismay develop, an inflammation of the sclera that can cause intense pain and loss of vision. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of episcleritis that last for more than 2 weeks or if you have a loss of vision.Episcleritis vs. ScleritisEpiscleritis occurs in the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white sclera. The episclera houses a thin network of blood vessels. The sclera is the tough, white exterior coating of the eyeball.Although having episcleritis is definitely a cause for concern, scleritis is usually considered a more serious condition and often is more painful and tender to touch. Scleritis can even be a blinding disease and is typically associated more with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to differentiate between episcleritis and scleritis. Because scleritis is sometimes related to systemic autoimmune conditions, your condition will be co-managed with a primary care healthcare provider, rheumatologist or internal medicine practitioner.
Episcleritis is an acute inflammatory disorder of the episclera, the thin tissue between the clear membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva) and thewhite of the eye (sclera). The episclera houses a thin network of blood vessels. Episcleritis usually looks much worse than it actually is. Although most cases of episcleritis go away on their own if left alone long enough, some cases are linked to hidden inflammatory problems present somewhere else in the body.
Creative RF / Getty Images
Episcleritis sometimes produces a section of redness in one or both eyes. Some people may develop a white nodule of tissue in the center of the redness, known as nodular episcleritis.Many people with episcleritis have some associated pain or discomfort, but others have none. Other symptoms that may occur with episcleritis are sensitivity to light (photophobia) and a watery discharge from the eyes.
In most cases of episcleritis, healthcare providers find it difficult to find out a clear cause. In more severe forms of episcleritis, underlying conditions such asinflammatory bowel disease,Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are usually the culprits.
Other conditions that cause inflammation of the episclera include:
Types of EpiscleritisThere are two forms of episcleritis: simple and nodular.Simple episcleritis:The most common type, simple episcleritis causes bouts of recurring inflammation. Each bout usually lasts from 7 to 10 days, although longer episodes may occur when the condition is associated with another systemic condition.Nodular episcleritis:Nodular episcleritis produces more painful attacks of inflammation. Many people with nodular episcleritis have an associated systemic disease.
Types of Episcleritis
There are two forms of episcleritis: simple and nodular.Simple episcleritis:The most common type, simple episcleritis causes bouts of recurring inflammation. Each bout usually lasts from 7 to 10 days, although longer episodes may occur when the condition is associated with another systemic condition.Nodular episcleritis:Nodular episcleritis produces more painful attacks of inflammation. Many people with nodular episcleritis have an associated systemic disease.
There are two forms of episcleritis: simple and nodular.
Episcleritis may go away on its own within 3 weeks if left untreated. Most healthcare providers treat episcleritis to hasten recovery. Treatment of episcleritis usually involves the following:
In some cases of episcleritis,scleritismay develop, an inflammation of the sclera that can cause intense pain and loss of vision. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of episcleritis that last for more than 2 weeks or if you have a loss of vision.
Episcleritis vs. Scleritis
Episcleritis occurs in the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white sclera. The episclera houses a thin network of blood vessels. The sclera is the tough, white exterior coating of the eyeball.
Although having episcleritis is definitely a cause for concern, scleritis is usually considered a more serious condition and often is more painful and tender to touch. Scleritis can even be a blinding disease and is typically associated more with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to differentiate between episcleritis and scleritis. Because scleritis is sometimes related to systemic autoimmune conditions, your condition will be co-managed with a primary care healthcare provider, rheumatologist or internal medicine practitioner.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Salama A, Elsheikh A, Alweis R.Is this a worrisome red eye? Episcleritis in the primary care setting.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2018;8(1):46-48. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1418110Zhou L, Wang J, Xu G, Wang D, Wang X, Chen Z.A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023;33(2):NP31-NP34. doi:10.1177/11206721211052879National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Episcleritis.Mady R, Grover W, Butrus S.Ocular complications of inflammatory bowel disease.Sci World J. 2015;2015:438402. doi:10.1155/2015/438402Merola JF, Espinoza LR, Fleischmann R.Distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis.RMD Open. 2018;4(2):e000656. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000656Vingopoulos F, Karagiotis T, Palioura S.Bilateral interstitial keratitis, erythema nodosum and atrial fibrillation as presenting signs of polyarteritis nodosa.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020;18:100619. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100619Pasadhika S, Rosenbaum JT.Ocular sarcoidosis.Clin Chest Med. 2015;36(4):669-683. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.009Zuber TJ, Pearlstein MV, Hwang CJ, Eftekhari K, Lugo‐Somolinos A, Googe PB.Periorbital swelling and episcleritis may be a sign of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Clin Case Rep. 2019;7(7):1422-1425. doi:10.1002/ccr3.2247Bacchiega ABS, Balbi GGM, Ochtrop MLG, de Andrade FA, Levy RA, Baraliakos X.Ocular involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(12):2060-2067. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kex057
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Salama A, Elsheikh A, Alweis R.Is this a worrisome red eye? Episcleritis in the primary care setting.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2018;8(1):46-48. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1418110Zhou L, Wang J, Xu G, Wang D, Wang X, Chen Z.A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023;33(2):NP31-NP34. doi:10.1177/11206721211052879National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Episcleritis.Mady R, Grover W, Butrus S.Ocular complications of inflammatory bowel disease.Sci World J. 2015;2015:438402. doi:10.1155/2015/438402Merola JF, Espinoza LR, Fleischmann R.Distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis.RMD Open. 2018;4(2):e000656. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000656Vingopoulos F, Karagiotis T, Palioura S.Bilateral interstitial keratitis, erythema nodosum and atrial fibrillation as presenting signs of polyarteritis nodosa.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020;18:100619. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100619Pasadhika S, Rosenbaum JT.Ocular sarcoidosis.Clin Chest Med. 2015;36(4):669-683. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.009Zuber TJ, Pearlstein MV, Hwang CJ, Eftekhari K, Lugo‐Somolinos A, Googe PB.Periorbital swelling and episcleritis may be a sign of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Clin Case Rep. 2019;7(7):1422-1425. doi:10.1002/ccr3.2247Bacchiega ABS, Balbi GGM, Ochtrop MLG, de Andrade FA, Levy RA, Baraliakos X.Ocular involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(12):2060-2067. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kex057
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Salama A, Elsheikh A, Alweis R.Is this a worrisome red eye? Episcleritis in the primary care setting.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2018;8(1):46-48. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1418110Zhou L, Wang J, Xu G, Wang D, Wang X, Chen Z.A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023;33(2):NP31-NP34. doi:10.1177/11206721211052879National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Episcleritis.Mady R, Grover W, Butrus S.Ocular complications of inflammatory bowel disease.Sci World J. 2015;2015:438402. doi:10.1155/2015/438402Merola JF, Espinoza LR, Fleischmann R.Distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis.RMD Open. 2018;4(2):e000656. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000656Vingopoulos F, Karagiotis T, Palioura S.Bilateral interstitial keratitis, erythema nodosum and atrial fibrillation as presenting signs of polyarteritis nodosa.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020;18:100619. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100619Pasadhika S, Rosenbaum JT.Ocular sarcoidosis.Clin Chest Med. 2015;36(4):669-683. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.009Zuber TJ, Pearlstein MV, Hwang CJ, Eftekhari K, Lugo‐Somolinos A, Googe PB.Periorbital swelling and episcleritis may be a sign of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Clin Case Rep. 2019;7(7):1422-1425. doi:10.1002/ccr3.2247Bacchiega ABS, Balbi GGM, Ochtrop MLG, de Andrade FA, Levy RA, Baraliakos X.Ocular involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(12):2060-2067. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kex057
Salama A, Elsheikh A, Alweis R.Is this a worrisome red eye? Episcleritis in the primary care setting.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2018;8(1):46-48. doi:10.1080/20009666.2017.1418110
Zhou L, Wang J, Xu G, Wang D, Wang X, Chen Z.A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass.Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023;33(2):NP31-NP34. doi:10.1177/11206721211052879
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Episcleritis.
Mady R, Grover W, Butrus S.Ocular complications of inflammatory bowel disease.Sci World J. 2015;2015:438402. doi:10.1155/2015/438402
Merola JF, Espinoza LR, Fleischmann R.Distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis.RMD Open. 2018;4(2):e000656. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2018-000656
Vingopoulos F, Karagiotis T, Palioura S.Bilateral interstitial keratitis, erythema nodosum and atrial fibrillation as presenting signs of polyarteritis nodosa.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020;18:100619. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100619
Pasadhika S, Rosenbaum JT.Ocular sarcoidosis.Clin Chest Med. 2015;36(4):669-683. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2015.08.009
Zuber TJ, Pearlstein MV, Hwang CJ, Eftekhari K, Lugo‐Somolinos A, Googe PB.Periorbital swelling and episcleritis may be a sign of cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Clin Case Rep. 2019;7(7):1422-1425. doi:10.1002/ccr3.2247
Bacchiega ABS, Balbi GGM, Ochtrop MLG, de Andrade FA, Levy RA, Baraliakos X.Ocular involvement in patients with spondyloarthritis.Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(12):2060-2067. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kex057
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