Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Corneal abrasion or ulcer: The patient's history of getting lithium grease in his eye without proper flushing increases the risk of a corneal injury, which could cause blurry vision and black spots.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Chemical keratitis: The lithium grease could have caused a chemical burn to the cornea, leading to inflammation and blurry vision.
- Vitreous detachment: The patient's symptoms of a blurry, vertical line and black spots could be indicative of a vitreous detachment, which can occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma.
- Retinal detachment: Although less likely, the patient's symptoms could also be indicative of a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
- Do Not Miss
- Endophthalmitis: This is a rare but potentially devastating infection of the inner eye that can occur after a traumatic injury, including chemical burns. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Central retinal artery occlusion: This is a rare but serious condition that can cause sudden, painless vision loss, and may be preceded by symptoms such as blurry vision and black spots.
- Rare diagnoses
- Macular hole: A small break in the macula, which can cause distorted or blurry vision, but is less likely given the patient's history and symptoms.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause blurry vision and blind spots, but is less likely given the patient's history and symptoms.