Which statement about episcleritis is true?

Which statement about episcleritis is true?

• A. It is not an emergency and often resolves on its own.
• B. Not an emergency and often resolves on its own.
• C. It usually requires systemic steroids.
• D. It is caused by retinal detachment.

Answer: (B)

Episcleritis is a mild, self-limited inflammation confined to the episclera, so it doesn’t threaten the eye and doesn’t constitute an emergency. Patients typically have redness and mild irritation with preserved vision, and the condition often improves on its own within days to a couple of weeks. Because of its benign course, management is supportive rather than aggressive: lubricating drops and, if needed, short courses of topical anti-inflammatory drops. Systemic steroids are not routinely required for episcleritis; they’re reserved for more severe or atypical situations where deeper scleral involvement or another diagnosis is suspected. Retinal detachment is not related to episcleritis and would present with flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like loss of vision. Distinguishing episcleritis from more serious conditions like scleritis is important: scleritis causes deeper pain and can threaten vision and often requires systemic therapy.

Episcleritis is a mild, self-limited inflammation confined to the episclera, so it doesn’t threaten the eye and doesn’t constitute an emergency. Patients typically have redness and mild irritation with preserved vision, and the condition often improves on its own within days to a couple of weeks. Because of its benign course, management is supportive rather than aggressive: lubricating drops and, if needed, short courses of topical anti-inflammatory drops. Systemic steroids are not routinely required for episcleritis; they’re reserved for more severe or atypical situations where deeper scleral involvement or another diagnosis is suspected. Retinal detachment is not related to episcleritis and would present with flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like loss of vision. Distinguishing episcleritis from more serious conditions like scleritis is important: scleritis causes deeper pain and can threaten vision and often requires systemic therapy.