Episcleritis – Etiopathogenesis, Clinical features, Treatment

• It is benign inflammation of the episclera and overlying tenon’s capsule
• It is usually seen in young adults

Etiology:

• Exact cause unknown
• May be due to hypersensitivity to endogenous allergen – tubercular protein or streptococcal exotoxins
• Associated with gout, rosaea and psoriasis

Pathology:

• Lymphocytic infiltration of the episclera with edema and congestion of overlying tenon’s capsule

Clinical features

• redness
• grittiness
• foreign body sensation
• burning sensation

Types

• Nodular episcleritis
  • Flat, firm, tender nodule seen 2-3 mm away from limbus
  • Surrounded by area of congestion
• Diffuse episcleritis
  • The whole of the episclera is congested
  • More severe in 1 or 2 quadrants

Differential diagnosis

• Inflamed pingecula
• Foreign body reaction
• Scleritis

Treatment

• Topical steroids
• NSAID’s
• Cold compresses