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Episcleritis - Overview

Definition of Episcleritis:

Episcleritis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue covering the sclera of the eye.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The sclera is made up of of tissue fibers that form the strong white wall of the eye. It is covered by the episclera, a thin layer of tissue that contains many blood vessels that feed the sclera.

Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera that occurs without an infection. It is a common condition that is usually mild and rarely progresses to scleritis.

The cause is usually unknown, but it may occur with certain diseases, such as:

  • Reviewed last on: 7/15/2008
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Goldstein DA, Tessler HH. Episcleritis, Scleritis, and Other Scleral Disorders. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, Azar DT. Yanoff: Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 64.

O'Day DM, Horn JD. The Eye and Rheumatic Disease. In: Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS. Harris: Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 44.

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