13/07/2022
Episcleritis
⛏️Background
A self-limiting condition of unknown aetiology.
🦯Clinical features Episcleritis is often mistaken for scleritis.
In episcleritis, congestion is limited to the radially orientated
superfi cial episcleral vessels within Tenon’s capsule . In
anterior scleritis, the irregular-crossing deep episcleral vessels on
the scleral surface are also involved and there is accompanying
scleral thickening. G. phenylephrine 10% only produces blanching
of the superfi cial episcleral venous plexus. The onset of episcleritis
is typically more acute, the sensation is not of pain but grittiness,
there is no corneal or intraocular involvement, and vision is
unaffected.
Management Offer reassurance.
💉Treatment is not routinely
required as symptoms usually resolve. If frequently recurrent, oral
NSAIDs such as Froben 50 mg p.o. t.d.s. may help but have side
effects (gastric/duodenal ulceration, exacerbation of asthma).
Topical steroids are sometimes useful, e.g. fl uorometholone 0.1%
q.d.s. 2 weeks.
*Copied
