Episcleritis is a usually harmless infection of the sclera that causes redness in the eye. It can be managed with steroids or hot/cold compresses, and may recur. Patients should seek medical attention if inflammation persists or worsens. Regular eye exams are important for early detection of eye and systemic diseases.
Episcleritis is a usually benign infection of the upper layer of the sclera or white of the eye. This ophthalmological condition usually looks much worse than it actually is, because the white of the eye turns bright red and can be quite alarming for patients who are not familiar with this infection. In many patients, episcleritis resolves on its own, while in other cases, it may require the attention of an ophthalmologist. There are several techniques that can be used to manage episcleritis.
Patients may experience itching or pain if they have episcleritis, or they may not take note of the condition until they see the affected eye in a mirror or have the redness brought to their attention by an observer. Mild inflammation may resolve on its own within two weeks, but prescribing steroids can sometimes reduce inflammation more rapidly, increasing patient comfort. Quickly reducing inflammation will also minimize the number of well-meaning comments about redness in the eye.
This condition commonly appears in young women, although people of all ages and genders can develop episcleritis. It should not be confused with scleritis, a much more serious condition that is often associated with an underlying medical condition. Episcleritis is also commonly recurrent, and an ophthalmologist may have recommendations for reducing recurrences, depending on the patient’s situation.
In nodular episcleritis, the condition is associated with another disease and can recur frequently. This form of inflammation is characterized by the appearance of small white nodules within the area of inflammation that can be seen during an eye exam. Patients with regular or nodular episcleritis may find comfort in using hot or cold compresses on the eye if they want to manage the condition at home, although they should see a doctor if inflammation persists or worsens.
People should definitely make it a habit to make a doctor’s appointment if they notice anything unusual in or around their eyes, or if they experience eye strain, blurred vision, and other vision problems. Eye problems are easier to deal with when caught early. It’s also important to have regular eye exams where your eye health is evaluated by an ophthalmologist who can check for early signs of degenerative disease or vision problems; Sometimes the eyes are the first place symptoms of serious medical problems such as connective tissue disease and diabetes show up.
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