Eye of a 75 year old male patient with episcleritis, the inflammation of the sclera, the white of the eye. Episcleritis may cause mild pain or tenderness, excessive watering of the eye or sensitivity to light. The cause is often not known, although it may be linked to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or tuberculosis. The condition usually resolves itself after 2-3 days, although treatment with corticosteroid eye drops may be needed.