Episcleritis
Episcleritis is a common condition affecting the episclera, the layer of tissue between the surface membrane (conjunctiva) and the firm white part of the eye (the sclera).
Episcleritis is a common condition affecting the episclera, the layer of tissue between the surface membrane (conjunctiva) and the firm white part of the eye (the sclera).
What is episcleritis?
Episcleritis is a common condition affecting the episclera, the layer of tissue between the surface membrane (conjunctiva) and the firm white part of the eye (the sclera). In episcleritis, the episclera becomes inflamed and red. It often causes irritation, soreness or a gritty sensation. Episcleritis can be recurrent.
What causes episcleritis?
The cause of episcleritis is mostly unknown. It sometimes flares up when you are tired, have been reading or working for long periods on computers, or are in a dry, dusty environment. Very rarely, it may be due to an underlying inflammation in your body; this can be investigated by blood tests if the episcleritis is severe and recurrent.
What is the treatment?
In most cases, episcleritis recovers on its own and may not need any treatment, but the symptoms can be relieved by using artificial tear drops. If it persists and causes significant discomfort, you may need a short course of steroid drops to help it clear.
