Episcleritis is inflammation of the tissue over the white portion of the eye. The tissue is called the episcleral, while the white part of the eye is called the sclera. The redness may look similar to pink eye or conjunctivitis, but unlike that condition, there is no discharge with episcleritis.
The cause of episcleritis is often unknown. The condition is more common in young adult females. About one-third of people who are diagnosed with episcleritis also have a systemic disorder, such as lupus, goat, rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms usually come on suddenly, and include redness, irritation, burning, and irritation. Eyes may also water or feel tender. They may look bloodshot all over, or may just have a small red, raised area. There may be some mild discomfort or pain, but it should not affect vision. If pain is significant or vision is impacted, it is likely a different condition. Episcleritis tends to reoccur.
Your Cizik Eye Clinic ophthalmologist will make your diagnosis using a slit lamp that shines light into the eye. Eye drops may also be used to determine which layer of the eye is affected. Additional testing may be ordered to check for an underlying medical condition.
Episcleritis is not harmful and usually resolves on its own within a week or two. Lubricating eye drops may help relieve symptoms and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may also be useful. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops. Patients can also use cold compresses to relieve irritation. Episcleritis does not typically escalate into a more damaging condition.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.