Recurring episcleritis

[dbab]

I've been getting this on a regular basis.  Not sure the reason, just that time of year I guess    That's how it is with this and me, it comes in waves on and off and then is gone for a while.  Well I've been getting it lately.  It usually lasts about 3 days and goes and comes back 2-3 days later, and cycle continues.  It doesn't hurt, just once in a while feels like I have something in my eye... not to mention it looks worse than it is and people always look at me funny.

I really don't want to put steroid drops in my eyes if I don't have to.  Does anyone know if it really is necessary to put steroid drops in my eyes for this?  I mean, I'll just go on with the symptoms if I have to and I know my doc will just give me the steroid drops but anyone go through this and not use steroid drops and not have any problems?

Thanks

[dbab]

hmmm maybe... Does anyone get this? and if you do, do you just let it go or do you treat it?

thanks in advance for any insight

[Joe S.]

I had to look for a quick definition: Episcleritis is irritation and inflammation of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue covering the white part (sclera) of the eye. It occurs without an infection.

ki have not had it yet and I hope that I do not get it!

[dbab]

Thanks Joe... it's more of a nuisance, from what I understand and what my ophthamologist says, its not half as bad as scleritis but he does mention that if it gets to be bothersome that he would like to give me steroid drops.  Never had steroid drops in my eye.  Not sure about them, I had a hard enough time starting Pred when I did lol.

[Babs659]

I was given an NSAID type of drop called Acular.  I would not be concerned with the steroid drops, I think they are ideal for your condition and it's not the same as ingesting steroids.  It's such a tiny amount.

[dbab]

Thanks Babs... I will ask him about the NSAID drops and see if that may help first and if not, I think you have eased my mind about the steroids.  I don't know much about occular steroids but if its a tiny amount then I think maybe it won't be much of a big deal, I just also worry about my eyes becoming dependent on them.