---
title: "Episcleritis | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What episcleritis is, why it causes a red eye that is usually mild and often settles on its own, and how it differs from scleritis. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/episcleritis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Episcleritis

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Episcleritis is a mild inflammation of the thin surface layer over the white of the eye. It causes a red, sometimes uncomfortable eye but usually little pain. It often settles on its own within one to two weeks, though lubricating drops and anti-inflammatory treatment can help.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Episcleritis affects the episclera, a thin layer above the white wall of the eye. It is much more common and less serious than scleritis, which affects deeper tissues and causes severe pain.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms are usually mild and may affect one or both eyes.

- A localised red patch on the white of the eye
- Mild discomfort, grittiness or watering
- Usually no severe pain or vision loss
- May recur in episodes

## Causes

Often no cause is found. It can be linked to dry eye, mild infection, or autoimmune conditions, and sometimes occurs in people who also get gout or inflammatory bowel disease.

## Treatment

Many cases need only lubricating drops and time. If symptoms persist or recur, a clinician may advise anti-inflammatory drops. A painful, deep red eye with marked pain should be assessed urgently to rule out scleritis.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between episcleritis and scleritis?

Episcleritis is mild, often painless surface redness that usually settles on its own. Scleritis is deeper, much more painful, and can threaten vision, needing prompt treatment.

### Does episcleritis need treatment?

Many cases settle within one to two weeks with lubricating drops alone. Persistent or recurrent episodes may need anti-inflammatory drops after assessment.

### Can episcleritis come back?

Yes, it can recur in episodes. If redness keeps returning or becomes painful, see a clinician to confirm the diagnosis and check for underlying causes.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Episcleritis - Moorfields Eye Hospital](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eye-conditions/episcleritis)