Differential Diagnosis for Poked in Eye with Stick and Blurry Vision
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Corneal abrasion: This is the most likely diagnosis given the mechanism of injury (poked in the eye with a stick) and the symptom of blurry vision. A corneal abrasion is a superficial wound to the surface of the cornea, which can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Conjunctival laceration: A laceration to the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye, is possible and can cause blurry vision, redness, and discomfort.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage: Bleeding underneath the conjunctiva can occur due to the trauma, leading to a painful, red eye with blurry vision.
- Iritis (anterior uveitis): Trauma to the eye can cause inflammation of the iris, leading to pain, redness, and blurry vision.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Globe rupture: Although less likely, a rupture of the eyeball is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms can include severe pain, vision loss, and a soft, deformity of the eye.
- Retinal detachment: Trauma to the eye can cause the retina to detach, leading to sudden vision loss, flashes of light, and floaters. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Optic nerve injury: Direct trauma to the optic nerve can result in vision loss, which may be permanent if not addressed promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Endophthalmitis: A rare but serious infection within the eye that can occur after trauma, especially if the eye is penetrated by a foreign object. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, and vision loss.
- Siderosis bulbi: If the stick was made of metal and a piece of metal penetrated the eye, it can cause a toxic reaction and lead to vision loss over time.
- Sympathetic ophthalmia: A rare, inflammatory condition that can occur in the uninjured eye after trauma to the other eye, potentially leading to vision loss in both eyes.