Which medication class is commonly used to reduce inflammation in episcleritis and scleritis?

Which medication class is commonly used to reduce inflammation in episcleritis and scleritis?

• A. Topical corticosteroids
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Antivirals
• D. Antifungals

Answer: (A)

Inflammation control in these conditions relies on anti-inflammatory therapy. Topical corticosteroids are used because they rapidly suppress the local inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and leukocyte activity, which reduces scleral vessel dilation, edema, and pain. They are the common first-line option for episcleritis and for milder cases of scleritis, though more severe scleritis may require systemic therapy. Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals target infections, not sterile inflammation, so they aren’t used to treat non-infectious episcleritis or scleritis.

Inflammation control in these conditions relies on anti-inflammatory therapy. Topical corticosteroids are used because they rapidly suppress the local inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and leukocyte activity, which reduces scleral vessel dilation, edema, and pain. They are the common first-line option for episcleritis and for milder cases of scleritis, though more severe scleritis may require systemic therapy. Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals target infections, not sterile inflammation, so they aren’t used to treat non-infectious episcleritis or scleritis.