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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
Could scleritis be episcleritis?
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Could scleritis be episcleritis?
by Aquinnah, Jan 22, 2006 12:00AM
Recently diagnosed with scleritis. I am a wopman of 56. It started with fairly sudden eye redness (developing over 2-3 days), tenderness and like a mild toothache around. Referred to hospital eye dept, and there they did a Phenolephrine (or something) test. The white of my eyes blanched, except for one distinct patch, which is still with me, 4 weeks after it all started. On basis of that they said scleritis. However, scleritis is supposed to be very painful. This hasn't been. Still occasional twinges and mild ache from time to time (but then I am hyperalert at present, as I don't like the sound of scleritis)and the red patch remains, possibly fading very slowly, though hard to tell now. I took ibuprofen 400mg for 3 days, given to me by the emergency services, but as it wasn't painful I wasn't given anything else. The idea being, if it is causing damage it would hurt, if it isn't hurting it isn't causing damage, at least not now. I did have the tests for systemic disease etc, but that was all normal except for liver results, which is being followed up. I have rosacaea and had shingles about 15-20 years ago, mildly. I am treated for hypertension.
Could this really be episcleritis after all? I would find that less potentially scary.
Could this really be episcleritis after all? I would find that less potentially scary.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-OD-MP, Jan 22, 2006 12:00AM
episcleritis is inflammation of the superficial top layers over the white part of your eye. if phenylephrine was used and a red patch remained, thats pretty much how we all diagnose scleritis. i'd have said scleritis as well with that test.
but "COULD" it be episclerisits? i suppose it is still possible. but when i instill phenylephrine and its still red, i diagnose "scleritis" as well, pretty much regardless of the "pain" involved.
but "COULD" it be episclerisits? i suppose it is still possible. but when i instill phenylephrine and its still red, i diagnose "scleritis" as well, pretty much regardless of the "pain" involved.
Member Comments (1)
by Aquinnah, Jan 22, 2006 12:00AM
Thanks for that. Though what I would rather not hear, it also helps me to be aware, eg to take steps if needed before going abroad and such.
