What is "episcleritis"

n. inflammation of the sclera of the eye

Episcleritis is a benign, self-limiting inflammatory disease affecting part of the eye called the episclera. The episclera is a thin layer of tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and the connective tissue layer that forms the white of the eye ( sclera). Episcleritis is a common condition, and is characterized by the abrupt onset of mild eye pain and redness.

There are two types of episcleritis, one where the episclera is diffusely affected (diffuse episcleritis), and the other where nodules are present in the episclera (nodular episcleritis). Most cases have no identifiable cause, although a small fraction of cases are associated with various systemic diseases. Often people with episcleritis experience it recurrently. Treatment focuses on decreasing discomfort, and includes lubricating eye drops. More severe cases may be treated with topical corticosteroids or oral anti-inflammatory medications ( NSAIDs).