H15.10

Clinical Causes: Inflammatory responses, which can be triggered by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Infections, including viral, bacterial, or parasitic origins. Environmental factors like exposure to wind, dust, or bright sunlight. Certain medications or drug reactions. Occasionally, no specific cause can be identified, which is classified as unspecified episcleritis.

Key Symptoms: Redness in one or both eyes, often more prominent in the affected area. Mild to moderate eye discomfort or irritation. A sensation of tenderness or soreness around the eye. Watery or teary eyes. Possible mild photophobia, or sensitivity to light. Usually, vision remains unaffected, but occasional blurring may occur if the inflammation is significant.

Diagnosis Path: Inspect the eye for redness, swelling, or inflammation. Use a slit-lamp microscope to examine the episclera and sclera closely. Perform phenylephrine testing, which helps distinguish episcleritis from scleritis, as episcleritis typically responds to this medication with rapid redness reduction. Review patient history for underlying health conditions or recent exposures. In some cases, blood tests or additional imaging may be recommended to investigate potential underlying systemic causes or infections.

Treatment Protocols: Use of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation. Application of warm compresses over the affected eye to decrease inflammation. Short-term use of topical anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroid eye drops, as prescribed by an eye specialist. Managing underlying health conditions, if identified, through appropriate medical interventions. Avoiding environmental triggers like wind, dust, and bright sunlight to decrease irritation. In cases linked to infections, targeted antimicrobial therapy may be necessary.