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Home / Eye diseases / Episcleritis and scleritis

Inflammation of the white of the eye

Episcleritis and scleritis

Inflammation in the white of the eye. The mild form, episcleritis, usually clears by itself. The rare, deep form, scleritis, must be treated quickly.

EpiscleritisHarmlessScleritisNeeds treatmentVisionUsually normal
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Episcleritis: book an appointment. Deep, boring pain: contact us the same day.

Two forms

Episcleritis

Inflammation of the thin layer over the white of the eye (the sclera). Causes a localised red patch, mild tenderness and irritation. Vision is normal, and it often clears by itself in 1–3 weeks.

Scleritis

Inflammation of the sclera itself. Causes deep, boring pain that can wake you at night, and a dark red or violet colour. Often seen with rheumatic diseases.

Treatment of episcleritis

  • Cool artificial tears ease the symptoms
  • For marked symptoms we can prescribe anti-inflammatory drops
  • Relapses are common but harmless

Signs of scleritis

  • Severe, deep pain in and around the eye
  • Tenderness when you touch the eye through the closed lid
  • Dark red or bluish redness

Scleritis must be treated with tablets and often investigated for an underlying rheumatic disease. Contact us the same day.

This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.