Episcleritis Treatment: All You Need to Know
Most of the time, Episcleritis does not require any specific medical treatment.
It heals by itself within two to three weeks.
But in certain severe conditions, medical intervention might be needed.
Most cases of Episcleritis are idiopathic. But it can also result from various diseases and disorders.
It can even result from a few dermatological conditions.
According to a 2020 study, the incidence rate of Episcleritis is 15.39 per 100,000 each year.
In this article, we will see the Episcleritis treatment options available.
Artificial Tears
For mild cases of Episcleritis treatment, lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) or an ointment is enough.
These often alleviate the redness and inflammation.
However, using these drops may not be enough for severe cases.
NSAIDs
Your eye doctor may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) be taken orally or used topically if there is discomfort.
Topical NSAIDs might help to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by Episcleritis.
Ns Aid 5 ml Eye drop contains Diclofenac which helps reduce discomfort, redness, and inflammation in the eyes.
Doctors usually prescribe oral NSAIDs in severe or stubborn cases of Episcleritis.
Ibuprofen and Naproxen are two oral NSAIDs that can be used if topical steroids do not provide relief.
Corticosteroids eye drops
For severe cases requiring prescription medication, doctors might recommend corticosteroid eye drops.
They may speed up the recovery process.
However, you might experience significant side effects, such as:
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Cataracts
- Frequent recurrences after discontinuing the medication
It is, therefore, essential not to rely on topical corticosteroids for long-term use.
Lotepred Eye drop is one such corticosteroid that might help reduce inflammation.
It contains Loteprednol Etabonate as its active ingredient, which works to reduce inflammation and redness.
Other corticosteroids include Prednisolone acetate 1% and Fluorometholone acetate.
Medications available at WowRxPharmacy | Category | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|
Ns Aid 5 ml Eye drop | NSAIDs | $1.34 |
Lotepred Eye drop | Topical Corticosteroid | $5.64 |
Home Remedies
Since most cases of Episcleritis are mild, at-home remedies and treatments could prove helpful in relieving symptoms.
You might always use over-the-counter eye drops to help reduce the inflammation.
Refrigerating these drops might make them more soothing to the eyes.
You may also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort.
Apart from these, some home remedies might help alleviate the symptoms of Episcleritis.
Some such Episcleritis treatments are as follows:
Cold compress
You can use a cold compress to relieve and soothe the inflammation and redness.
The following are some ways you can make a cold compress at home.
- Drench a handkerchief in cool water and apply it gently to your eyes.
- Freeze a clean and damp towel in the freezer before applying it over your eyes.
- Put small pieces of ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a clean washcloth and use it on the eyes.
Do not apply ice directly on the skin.
You can, however, repeat the treatment every few hours if needed.
You can also use tea bags, and cotton dipped in rose water as a cold compress.
Protecting your eyes
Photophobia (light sensitivity) is one of the symptoms of Episcleritis.
It causes eye discomfort in bright lights.
One of the best ways to protect your eyes from harsh outdoor lights is to wear tinted sunglasses.
You can also dim the lights of the room you are in.
Diet
It is suspected that the body’s weakened antioxidant system causes inflammation of the episclera.
In such a case, improving this system could keep inflammation and disease at bay.
Hence, a diet rich in antioxidants might be helpful in Episcleritis treatment.
Vitamin C in the diet and its supplements have been shown to help prevent ocular inflammation.
Therefore, we can consider it a preventive and therapeutic measure for patients with recurrent episodes of Episcleritis.
Other vitamins having antioxidative properties include Vitamins A and E.
Further research is, however, required to prove its efficacy.
Prevention
Episcleritis is one such condition that cannot be prevented directly.
The best way to prevent and treat Episcleritis is to find the underlying cause.
Other than this, a healthy diet might also reduce the chances of contracting Episcleritis.
Takeaway
Episcleritis is usually self-healing.
It clears up by itself in two to four weeks in most cases.
Treating the underlying cause is the most efficient way to treat Episcleritis.
For people requiring medications, doctors usually recommend NSAIDs and topical corticosteroids.
Besides, a cold compress, artificial tears, and a diet of antioxidants might be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is nodular Episcleritis treated?
Nodular Episcleritis should clear up on its own. But, it might take a little longer than simple Episcleritis to heal. Your doctor might also recommend artificial tears or NSAIDs to help fasten the healing process. If these don’t help, your doctor might prescribe steroids.
Do eye drops help Episcleritis?
Yes, eye drops in the form of artificial tears and topical NSAIDs form a part of the treatment procedure for Episcleritis. Your doctor might also recommend Corticosteroids in eye drop formulation in severe cases.
How do you clear up Episcleritis?
Episcleritis usually clears up on its own. If not, a cold compress or artificial eye drops might help provide relief. Other treatment options recommended by your doctor may include NSAIDs and topical corticosteroids.
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