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.
The cornea allows light to enter the eye. As light passes through the eye the iris changes shape by expanding and letting more light through or constricting and letting less light through to change pupil size. The lens then changes shape to allow the accurate focusing of light on the retina. Light excites photoreceptors that eventually, through a chemical process, transmit nerve signals through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain processes these nerve impulses into sight.
Causes
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:
Symptoms
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
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do an eye exam to diagnose the disorder. Most of the time, no special tests are needed.
Treatment
The condition most often goes away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. Using corticosteroid eye drops may help ease the symptoms faster.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Episcleritis most often improves without treatment. However, treatment may make symptoms go away sooner.
Possible Complications
In some cases, the condition may return. Rarely, irritation and inflammation of the white part of the eye may develop. This is called scleritis.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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.
References
Barry RJ, Denniston AK, Rhodes B, et al. Rheumatic disease. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al, eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 81.
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 395.
Patel SS, Goldstein DA. Episcleritis and scleritis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019: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
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 8/22/2022
Reviewed by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
