Episcleritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the episcleral tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and sclera. Episcleritis is usually a disease, mild, recurrent self-limiting. Most cases are idiopathic, although up to one third have an underlying systemic condition. Some cases may be caused by exogenous inflammatory stimuli.
Pathophysiology
pathophysiology is poorly understood. Local inflammatory response to the superficial episcleral vascular tissue, and histopathology showed inflammation nongranulomatous with the dilation of blood vessels and perivascular infiltration.
The 2 clinical types of simple and nodular.
The most common type is a simple episcleritis, where there are intermittent bouts of moderate to severe inflammation that is often repeated at 1 until 3 month intervals. Episodes usually last 7-10 days, and most resolve after 2-3 weeks. prolonged episodes may be more common in patients with associated systemic conditions. Some patients note that episodes are more common in spring or autumn. Precipitation factor is rarely found, but the attacks have been linked to stress and hormonal changes.
Patients with nodular episcleritis have long attacks of inflammation that is usually more painful than simple episcleritis. Many patients with nodular episcleritis have associated systemic diseases.
Epidemiology
Several authors reported differences, whereas other authors reported that up to 74% of cases occur in women.
