Differential Diagnosis for Eye Redness and Pain
The patient's symptoms of eye redness, pain, and decreased vision require a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Here's a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Conjunctivitis: This is a common condition that can cause eye redness, pain, and discharge. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature. The patient's symptoms of eye redness and pain, along with decreased vision, could be due to a severe case of conjunctivitis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This condition can cause eye pain, redness, and blurred vision, especially if the patient has an underlying condition or is taking certain medications.
- Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the cornea can cause severe eye pain, redness, and blurred vision.
- Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, which can cause eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a rare but serious infection of the inner eye that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss.
- Retinal Detachment: This is a condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing sudden vision loss, eye pain, and redness.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Scleritis: This is an inflammation of the sclera, which can cause severe eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
- Keratitis: This is an inflammation of the cornea, which can cause eye pain, redness, and blurred vision.
- Orbital Cellulitis: This is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause eye pain, redness, and swelling.
It's essential to schedule an appointment with an eye care professional to determine the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.