Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Vision and Painful Eye
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This condition is characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, leading to severe eye pain and vision loss. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause pain and vision loss, often associated with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases.
- Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue can cause vision loss and eye pain, especially if there is associated retinal tear or hemorrhage.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, can cause eye pain, vision loss, and sensitivity to light.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Endophthalmitis: A severe infection within the eye that can cause vision loss, eye pain, and potentially lead to blindness or even loss of the eye if not treated promptly.
- Orbital Cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye can cause vision loss, eye pain, and potentially life-threatening complications if the infection spreads to the brain or cavernous sinus.
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A blockage of the central retinal artery can cause sudden and painless vision loss, but may be accompanied by eye pain in some cases.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ocular Migraine: A rare condition that can cause temporary vision loss and eye pain, often accompanied by other migraine symptoms.
- Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A rare inflammatory condition that can cause vision loss and eye pain in both eyes, often following trauma or surgery to one eye.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes, leading to vision loss and eye pain.