How can you tell the difference between scleritis and Episcleritis?

Episcleritis is inflammation of the superficial, episcleral layer of the eye. It is relatively common, benign and self-limiting. Scleritis is inflammation involving the sclera. It is a severe ocular inflammation, often with ocular complications, which nearly always requires systemic treatment [1, 2].

Where is the episclera?

The episclera is a thin layer of tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and the connective tissue layer that forms the white of the eye (sclera). Episcleritis is a common condition, and is characterized by the abrupt onset of painless eye redness.

What is the function of the episclera?

The episclera, or Tenon capsule, provides part of the nutrition of the sclera and for the cellular response to inflammation.

Why it is called sclera?

The term sclera is derived from Greek word scleros meaning “hard”. The primary function of the sclera is to protect the eye and maintain the shape of the eye ball. Amazing Fact: Human beings are the only primates with white sclera. Embryologically like corneal stroma and endothelium, sclera originates from mesoderm.

How do you treat a swollen sclera?

For very mild cases of scleritis, an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen may be enough to ease your eye inflammation and pain. Most of the time, though, a prescription medication called a corticosteroid is needed to treat the inflammation.

What makes up the sclera?

The sclera is dense connective tissue made of mainly type 1 collagen fibers, oriented in different directions. The lack of parallel orientation of collagen fibers gives the sclera its white appearance, as opposed to the transparent nature of the cornea. However, the collagen of the sclera and cornea are continuous.

What’s a sclera?

Listen to pronunciation. (SKLAYR-uh) The white layer of the eye that covers most of the outside of the eyeball.

Is sclera anterior or posterior?

The sclera is thickest posteriorly (1 mm) and thinnest (0.3–0.4 mm) behind the insertions of the aponeurotic tendons of the extraocular muscles. It is covered by the fascia bulbi posteriorly and the conjunctiva anteriorly.

What color is sclera?

The white part of the eye that serves as a protective layer is called the sclera, which covers over 80% of the eyeball’s surface. A healthy sclera should be white. If it becomes yellow or discolored, an underlying condition may be present. Here are some reasons why your sclera might turn color.

What is the difference between episclera and scleritis?

Episclera is a thin membrane covering over the sclera. “Epi” means outer and hence episclera means it is the thin covering present covering the sclera. Definition: Inflammation of the sclera is called as scleritis whereas inflammation of the episclera is called as episcleritis.

What is episcleritis and how dangerous is it?

Episcleritis is the inflammation of the covering of the sclera and more often seen as plain redness along with watering of the eyes. It is not as dangerous for the vision and the eye as scleritis is.

What is the sclera of the eye?

The sclera is the tough, white, outer layer of the eyeball. The sclera provides the eyeball with structural strength and protects against penetration and rupture. Rarely, the sclera becomes inflamed ( scleritis ).

What is the episclera made of?

The episclera, the outermost layer, is composed of loose connective tissue with two vascular plexi (superficial and deep) derived from the anterior ciliary arteries. 6 Normally, these vessels—which run forward from the insertions of the recti muscles—are not visible because they run deep to the conjunctiva.