How To Manage Episcleritis

Pain management is a tool many individuals utilize to help them through their everyday lives. What happens, though, when they’re not living with pain but with episcleritis? This condition is painless for many, though there are some who do suffer from some pain and discomfort. This condition is an acute inflammatory disorder that affects the eye. There’s a thin tissue called episclera in the eye found between the white sclera and the conjunctiva, and it’s home to blood vessels that can become very red. The blood vessels swell and become very noticeable in the eye. The good news for patients with episcleritis is it often appears worse than it feels, but managing the pain and symptoms become necessary. Learn about the best strategies for managing episcleritis now.

Use Artificial Tear Eye Drops

Episcleritis patients can use artificial tear eye drops when their eyes turn too red. This can reduce a bit of the redness, and it can help with the swelling. The eyes can become dry when there’s something wrong, and this only exacerbates the issue. If individuals take the time to focus on keeping their eyes moist and healthy, they might be able to keep them from becoming so red and irritated. Patients with simple episcleritis, which is the non-painful version of the condition, will likely notice their symptoms improve anywhere from seven to ten days following the first sign of redness. Using eye drops can help reduce the redness during this time, but patients should follow the instructions on the drops to ensure they’re using it correctly.

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Take Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Patients with nodular episcleritis may find their doctor is going to suggest taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help with the pain. This is the more serious version of episcleritis, and it’s often the one that causes pain. It’s also the one most likely associated with an underlying health issue. Patients should, of course, keep in mind this will not cure their episcleritis or make it go away immediately, but this medication can help it clear up faster than if they left it on its own. Sometimes this version of episcleritis can take as many as three weeks to clear up on its own. Taking medication helps speed up the process, so patients feel some relief from the pain a lot sooner. This is helpful if they are dealing with a watery discharge that makes their condition worse. It’s uncomfortable when the eyes water frequently, and this might help minimize the watering.

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Apply A Cool Compress Over The Eyes

Patients with episcleritis can apply a cool compress over their eyes to help with the discomfort. A cold compress can help relieve any pressure patients might be feeling. If patients have some pain from episcleritis, it might be able to help minimize that pain while they wait for their medication to kick in. It may not treat the redness associated with the inflamed blood vessels, but a cold compress might help the eyes stop watering. If nothing else, patients are taking a moment to lie down with their eyes closed and a cold compress on them to relieve some of the pressure many individuals feel when at the computer. It’s best to lie down and apply the cold compress for approximately ten minutes at a time.

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Treat Underlying Conditions

There is not one clear cause of episcleritis, though most medical professionals can attribute this inflammation to something in a patient's medical history. Most patients who do have an underlying condition can find a way to treat it as a preventative measure. While patients may find almost anything can cause episcleritis, issues such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease are heard about most often. Different forms of arthritis can also cause this type of condition by causing blood vessels in the eye to swell. One way to treat this problem is to treat the correct underlying condition. If patients notice their eyes do this often, they should speak to a doctor about a potential diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Protect Eyes From The Sun And Bright Lights

The eyes are very sensitive, and it helps to protect eyes from the sun and bright lights. This isn’t always easy when an individual sits in the car a lot or when they’re sitting at their desk in front of a computer all day. However, a few things can make this easier. There are certain glasses individuals can wear when using a computer or other electronic devices for long periods. The lenses are designed to protect the eyes from the blue light electronic devices emit, and they can help the eyes in many ways. It’s also helpful for individuals to wear sunglasses when they are outside, driving, or spending time in the sun. Individuals who live in a home with harsh lighting should consider replacing the harsh lights with something a little less harsh and that’s able to dim.