Inflammation of the episclera, the thin vascular sheet which lies between the conjunctiva and sclera; more superficial and less severe than scleritis

Aetiology

• Usually idiopathic, if no clear cause will be self-limiting
• Can be caused by underlying systemic disease e.g. IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis

Clinical features

• Typically not painful but there can be mild pain
• Segmental redness (rather than diffuse)
  • There is usually a patch of redness in the lateral sclera
• Foreign body sensation
• Dilated episcleral vessels
• Watering of eye
• No discharge

Management

• Self limiting - lubricants and cold compresses, topical NSAIDs, mild steroids