Episcleritis

Introduction Scleral outer inflammation refers to the inflammatory process of a thin layer of tissue surrounding the eye, the white part of the eye called the sclera. The sclera is a tough, thick tissue that is the protective barrier of the eye. The outer layer of the sclera and the inner side of the eyelid are covered by a five-layer membrane called the conjunctiva. A thin layer of tissue between the conjunctiva and the sclera is called the outer layer of the sclera. When the outer layer of the sclera is infected or inflammatory, it is collectively referred to as the sclera.

Cause

The cause of scleral outer inflammation in most patients is unclear. One-third may be associated with infections (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), gout, allergies, chemicals, collagen vascular disease (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Reiter syndrome) Related to systemic lupus erythematosus.

Scleral outer inflammation is more common in middle-aged people aged 40-50. The disease will not be passed on to the next generation, nor will it threaten life.

an examination

Related inspection

Scleral examination, scleral transillumination, ophthalmoscopy

Clinical manifestations:

Most patients complain of sudden onset of pain and partial eye discomfort. This may be related to aqueous secretions, fear of redness in the light and inflammation areas. There are two types of scleral inflammation: simple and nodular. Simple scleritis is the most common type and lasts for 1-3 weeks and may recur. Nodular scleral inflammation causes similar symptoms, but is often associated with the diseases mentioned above.

Differential diagnosis

There are many similarities between syphilis and scleral inflammation, and the identification of the two is especially important. Syphilitic uveitis accounts for about 4% of secondary syphilis, but it can also occur in some patients with stage I or III of inappropriate treatment. Keratitis and iritis are the most common manifestations in patients with syphilis. The main difference between syphilitic keratitis and scleral inflammation is that there is a large amount of neovascularization in the early stage of syphilitic keratitis, and there is no VDRL-positive test result in patients with scleral inflammation.

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