Episcleritis: Episcleritis Eye, Episcleritis Allergy, Causes of Episcleritis

Episcleritis is a case of redness in the eye caused by inflammation of the connective tissue between the conjunctiva and sclera.  Episcleritis is an ordinary condition that may not necessitate serious treatment except for topical drops, which will help diminish the discomfort.  It may be gone before the week is over. 

Although, it may be worth it to note that there is a 30% chance that episcleritis may be connected with systemic disorder such as infection in some parts of the body.  Seventy-percent of the time, it is idiopathic, however, to lessen the worry of a patient with episcleritis, it may helpful to mention that episcleritis will not cause serious eye problem.

There are two types of Episcleritis

1. Simple episcleritis.  This is characterized by redness and inflammation.  It may not need treatment, however if you feel discomfort, topical drops may help sooth the discomfort and even lessen the redness.  It may then shorten the existence of the redness.
2. Nodular episcleritis.  This involves formation of a nodule in the affected eye.  This may be a bit painful and requires corticosteroid eye drops to help address the inflammation.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may also be helpful to treat the inflammation and reduce pain.

What may cause Episcleritis?

The cause of episcleritis is unknown, especially because very few who experience this condition brings the matter to a health professional.  The reason why they do not bring it to a doctor for his professional help is that in most of the cases, no medication is necessary.

However, studies on episcleritis prove that 30% of episcleritis cases are connected to systemic disorders.  This is another reason why the case may be recurrent.  If the inflammation happens longer than 10 days, then doctors presume it is indeed connected to a systemic disorder. 

The following systemic disorders may cause the inflammation in the eye area such as episcleritis:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Polyarteritis Nodosa
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Sarcoidosis
• Wegeners’s Granulomatosis
• Gout
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Rosacea
• Herpes Simplex
• Tuberculosis

Thus, if you experience episcleritis, you may need a thorough medical analysis to ensure that the inflammation and redness in your eye is not connected to serious and more severe medical condition.

Treatment of Episcleritis

Because episcleritis is not a disease, there is no specific treatment developed for this disorder, however the following may be necessary:

• Eye drops or artificial tear will be helpful to lessen the inflammation.  It will also speed up the lessening of the redness.
• Topical corticosteroid may help those who feel discomfort and sensitivity to bright light.
• Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended for those with nodular episcleritis.
• For those with systemic disorder, treatment may be directed to the problem other than episcleritis.  Pain reliever may also be recommended if patients want to lessen the discomfort of episcleritis while treating their systemic disorder.

What is Scleritis, is it the same as episcleritis?

Even medical professionals may be mistaken in recognizing whether the condition is scleritis or episcleritis.  This is because they are almost the same; both are inflammation in the eye.  However, 70% of scleritis cases are connected with systemic disorder and scleritis is commonly painful and requires immediate attention, while episcleritis may not need treatment because it will be gone in 7 to 10 days.  Thus, many people who experience episcleritis do not go to hospitals for treatment.

It is however necessary that should episcleritis recur sooner than 3 months, you may need to undergo complete medical check up to be sure that your eye inflammation is not connected to serious medical problems.

Proper care in the eye is necessary to enjoy the colors and magnificence this world we live in offers.