Differential Diagnosis for 66 yo Male Patient with Left Eye Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Foreign Body (FB) in the Eye: The patient's occupation as a welder and grinder in the metal shop increases the risk of foreign bodies entering the eye, causing pain, tearing, and swelling. The patient's symptoms of a foreign body sensation, pain, and blurred vision in the affected eye support this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis: The patient's symptoms of tearing, redness, and discomfort in the eye could be indicative of conjunctivitis, which is a common condition that can be caused by infection, allergy, or irritation.
- Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion could cause the patient's symptoms of pain, tearing, and blurred vision, especially if a foreign body has scratched the cornea.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: The patient's symptoms of dryness and discomfort in the eye could be indicative of dry eye syndrome, which is a common condition in older adults.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Chemical Burn: Although less likely, a chemical burn to the eye could have severe consequences, including permanent vision loss. The patient's occupation in the metal shop increases the risk of exposure to chemicals.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a rare but potentially devastating infection of the inner eye that can cause severe pain, redness, and vision loss. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of recent eye surgery or trauma.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss. Although less likely, it is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of glaucoma or other risk factors.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleritis: This is a rare inflammatory condition that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It is often associated with systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Uveitis: This is a rare inflammatory condition that can cause eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It can be associated with systemic diseases, such as sarcoidosis or rheumatoid arthritis.