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Episcleritis
is inflammation of the tissue lying between the sclera and the conjunctiva.
Episcleritis occurs in young adults and affects women more often than men. Usually, the inflammation affects only a small patch of the eyeball and causes a red, and sometimes slightly yellow, raised area. Symptoms include eye tenderness and irritation, with increased watering of the eye and mildly increased sensitivity to bright light. The condition is not usually a sign of any other disease and tends to disappear and recur. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and on the appearance of the eye.
Treatment is often unnecessary. Eye drops that constrict blood vessels in the eye, such as tetrahydrozoline, can improve the appearance of the eyes. To shorten an attack, corticosteroid eye drops or an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be used.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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