Condition

Episcleritis

Also known as Surface Scleral Inflammation, Mild Red Eye, Simple Episcleritis, Nodular Episcleritis, Sectoral Red Eye

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Episcleritis is usually mild inflammation on top of the white of the eye. Severe pain or vision change means it may be something else.

Episcleritis inflames the thin tissue over the sclera, the white wall of the eye. It often causes a red patch and mild soreness 1.

It is usually self-limited and much less dangerous than scleritis. Scleritis causes deeper pain and can threaten vision 2.

Treatment may be lubricating drops, cold compresses, or short courses of anti-inflammatory medicine. An eye doctor should check repeat flares or unclear cases 3.

Symptoms

Episcleritis usually affects one part of one eye.

  • Bright red patch. The redness often looks sector-shaped.
  • Mild soreness. The eye may feel tender, gritty, or irritated.
  • Watery eye. Tearing can happen.
  • Normal vision. Vision usually stays clear.
  • No thick discharge. Thick yellow or green discharge suggests infection instead.
Get checked sooner: Severe pain, light sensitivity, contact lens pain, or blurry vision is not typical for simple episcleritis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye doctor looks at the depth of the redness. This helps tell episcleritis from scleritis, uveitis, and keratitis.

Treatment is based on comfort and recurrence.

  • Lubricating drops. These can reduce gritty feeling.
  • Cold compresses. These can calm soreness.
  • Anti-inflammatory drops or pills. These may be used for stronger flares.
  • Health review. Repeat flares may lead to questions about joint, bowel, or skin symptoms.

Episcleritis usually needs much less treatment than scleritis 2.

When to Worry

Simple episcleritis is usually mild. Red eye can still be a sign of a more serious problem.

  • Deep or severe pain. This can mean scleritis or another urgent condition.
  • Blurry vision. Episcleritis should not cause major vision change.
  • Contact lens pain. This can mean a cornea infection.
  • Light sensitivity. This can happen with uveitis or keratitis.
  • Newborn red eye. A baby under 28 days old needs emergency care.

Promptly telling episcleritis and scleritis apart matters because scleritis can be sight-threatening 1.

Common Questions About Episcleritis

Usually no. Episcleritis is often mild and self-limited. It still needs an exam if pain is strong, vision changes, or flares keep returning 1.

Next Steps

  1. 1Book an eye exam if a new red patch lasts, returns, or causes pain.
  2. 2Use preservative-free lubricating drops for mild gritty feeling.
  3. 3Avoid contact lenses until a painful or red eye has been checked.
  4. 4Seek same-day urgent eye care for contact lens pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision.
  5. 5Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss, chemical splash, major eye injury, or red eye in a newborn.

Find specialists for Episcleritis

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