Episcleritis

Episcleritis is benign recurrent inflammation of the
episclera, involving the overlying Tenon's capsule
but not the underlying sclera. It typically affects
young adults, being twice as common in women than
men.
Etiology
Exact etiology is not known.
It is found in association with gout, rosacea and
psoriasis.
It has also been considered a hypersensitivity
reaction to endogenous tubercular or
streptococcal toxins.
Pathology
Histologically, there occurs localised lymphocytic
infiltration of episcleral tissue associated with oedema
and congestion of overlying Tenon's capsule and
conjunctiva.
Clinical picture
Symptoms. Episcleritis is characterised by redness,
mild ocular discomfort described as gritty, burning or
foreign body sensation. Many a time it may not be
accompanied by any discomfort at all. Rarely, mild
photophobia and lacrimation may occur.
Signs. On examination two clinical types of
episcleritis, diffuse (simple) and nodular may be
recognised. Episclera is seen acutely inflamed in the
involved area.
In diffuse episcleritis, although whole eye may
be involved to some extent, the maximum
inflammation is confined to one or two quadrants
(Fig. 6.2A).
In nodular episcleritis, a pink or purple flat
nodule surrounded by injection is seen, usually
situated 2-3 mm away from the limbus (Fig. 6.2B).
The nodule is firm, tender and the overlying
conjunctiva moves freely.
Clinical course. Episcleritis runs a limited course of
10 days to 3 weeks and resolves spontaneously.
However, recurrences are common and tend to occur
in bouts. Rarely, a fleeting type of disease (episcleritis
periodica) may occur.
Differential diagnosis
Occasionally episcleritis may be confused with
inflamed pinguecula, swelling and congestion due to
foreign body lodged in bulbar conjunctiva and very
rarely with scleritis.

Treatment
1. Topical corticosteroid eyedrops instilled 2-3
hourly, render the eye more comfortable and
resolve the episcleritis within a few days.
2. Cold compresses applied to the closed lids may
offer symptomatic relief from ocular discomfort.
3. Systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as flurbiprofen (300 mg OD),
indomethacin (25 mg three times a day), or
oxyphenbutazone may be required in recurrent
cases.