Episcleritis and scleritis.

Episcleritis and scleritis are two common inflammatory disorders encountered by primary care practitioners. Although episcleritis is a self-limited disease that usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks, severe symptoms may require the use of topical steroids or, in recalcitrant cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIAs). Scleritis is a painful, generalized inflammation of the eye that is often associated with systemic disease. The necrotizing form of scleritis is the most serious, requiring aggressive treatment with NSAIAs and systemic steroids. Significant sequelae of scleritis include uveitis, glaucoma, cataract, and retinal detachment.