Learn About Episcleritis
Episcleritis is irritation and inflammation of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue covering the white part (sclera) of the eye. It is not an infection.
Episcleritis is a common condition. In most cases the problem is mild and vision is normal.
The cause is often unknown. But, it may occur with certain diseases, such as:
- Herpes zoster virus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren syndrome
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
Symptoms include:
- A pink or purple color to the normally white part of the eye
- Eye pain
- Eye tenderness
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing of the eye
The condition most often goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Using corticosteroid eye drops may help ease the symptoms faster.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Careen Lowder is an Ophthalmologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Lowder has been practicing medicine for over 55 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Episcleritis. Her top areas of expertise are Uveitis, Scleritis, Birdshot Chorioretinopathy, Trabeculectomy, and Vitrectomy.
Johns Hopkins University
Meghan Berkenstock is an Ophthalmologist in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Berkenstock is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Episcleritis. Her top areas of expertise are Scleritis, Episcleritis, Uveitis, Vitrectomy, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Berkenstock is currently accepting new patients.
Fairview Express Care
Karen Armbrust is an Ophthalmologist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Armbrust is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Episcleritis. Her top areas of expertise are Episcleritis, Scleritis, Uveitis, Endophthalmitis, and Cataract Removal. Dr. Armbrust is currently accepting new patients.
Episcleritis most often improves without treatment. However, treatment may make symptoms go away sooner.
In some cases, the condition may return. Rarely, irritation and inflammation of the white part of the eye may develop. This is called scleritis.
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of episcleritis that last for more than 2 weeks. Get checked again if your pain gets worse or you have problems with your vision.
Summary: Autoinflammatory diseases (AID) are clinical entities characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks in absence of infection, neoplasm or deregulation of the adaptive immune system. Among them, hereditary periodic syndromes, also known as monogenic AID, represent the prototype of this disease group, caused by mutations in genes involved in the regulation of innate immunity, inflammation and cell ...
Summary: ATLAS study is a clinical trial to evaluate the potential role of subcutaneous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) gel in the management of non-infectious scleritis. Specifically, the ATLAS Study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability and effect of 2 different dose regimens of ACTH gel administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection in patients with scleritis, over a period of 12 months. Scleritis i...
Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Patel SS, Zaguia F, Goldstein DA. Episcleritis and scleritis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.11.
Promelle V, Goeb V, Gueudry J. Rheumatoid arthritis associated episcleritis and scleritis: an update on treatment perspectives. J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2118. PMID: 34068884 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34068884/.