Persistent Episcleritis?

Hello,

A few months ago I went to the optometrist and she diagnosed me with Episcleritis.  She prescribed a 0.1% dexamethasone eye drop regimen for 3 weeks.  While I was taking the eye drops my eye was perfect, yet about 5 days after I stopped the red eye (just in a section between my nose and my iris) would flare up again; also, it would seem to be fine in the morning, and then get progressively worse throughout the day.  

I've been referred to an Ophthalmologist but it's been about a week and I still haven't heard from them.  There's rarely any pain associated with that eye, and my vision doesn't seem to be affected at all.  However, I do get a "something in the eye" sensation when the redness flares up.

From what I've read about episcleritis, it seems to resolve on its own.  My question is could this be something more serious than episcleritis?  I've compared pictures I've found online depicting epsicleritis, and what I have does seem to look exactly like them, but it seems much more persistent than it should be.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to see an ophthalmologist Find one at www.aao.org

Episcleritis can be isolated and not associated with other eye disease and a one time deal  OR it can be recurrent or chronic (persist).

Recurrent or persistent is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis like dieseases, gout, gastrointestional disease and some others.

JCH III MD