Differential Diagnosis for Glare with Bright Lights and Blurred Vision
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cataracts: The most common cause of glare and blurred vision, especially in older adults, due to the clouding of the lens in the eye.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- Refractive Errors (e.g., Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism): Uncorrected or under-corrected refractive errors can lead to blurred vision and may worsen with bright lights.
- Presbyopia: Age-related decline in near vision that can also affect vision in bright light conditions.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, requiring immediate treatment.
- Retinal Detachment: A condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing sudden blurred vision, floaters, and flashes of light.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause blurred vision, pain, and sensitivity to light, often associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea that can cause blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to light.
- Corneal Dystrophies: A group of rare, genetic disorders that affect the cornea and can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- Chronic Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and floaters.