Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Episcleritis

Episcleritis is usually mild inflammation of the thin tissue between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye. It often causes a sudden local red patch, irritation and mild tenderness without reduced vision. A red eye with severe deep pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, contact-lens use or injury needs prompt assessment because a more serious cause may be present.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • Episcleritis is superficial inflammation over the tough white outer layer of the eye and is usually harmless and self-limiting.
  • A sector of the white of the eye becomes bright red or pink. Mild irritation and watering may occur, but clear vision is preserved.
  • Severe deep pain, marked light sensitivity, an abnormal pupil or reduced vision do not fit uncomplicated episcleritis.
  • A doctor distinguishes episcleritis from conditions including scleritis, uveitis, keratitis, acute glaucoma, bleeding and conjunctivitis.
  • Using corticosteroid drops yourself is unsafe: they can raise eye pressure and worsen or hide infection.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
R
Red eyeA red eye is a symptom with many causes. Itching or discharge is often harmless, but pain, sensitivity to light, worsening vision, contact lens use, an abnormal pupil, a newborn baby or an eye injury requires prompt assessment.
C
Contact lens problemsA red, painful or watery eye associated with contact lenses can range from irritation to a serious corneal infection. Remove your lenses immediately if symptoms develop and do not wear them again until a doctor or optometrist considers it safe. Pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision or a white spot on the eye may indicate keratitis or a corneal ulcer and need prompt assessment. Do not use old drops or old lenses, and keep the lens and case if the doctor wants to examine them.
Y
Yellow bump on the white of your eyeA small raised yellowish-white spot on the white of the eye is often a pinguecula: a benign change in the conjunctiva, the thin covering over the white of the eye, associated with factors such as sun, wind and dryness. The spot usually does not grow over the cornea and often needs no treatment. Pain, light sensitivity, poorer vision, an injury or a suddenly very red eye does not fit an uninflamed pinguecula and needs prompt assessment.