Differential Diagnosis for Eye Pain
The differential diagnosis for eye pain is broad and can be categorized into several groups. Here's a breakdown of the possible causes:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This is a common condition that can cause eye pain, especially in individuals who spend a lot of time in front of screens or have a history of contact lens use. Dry eye syndrome is often characterized by a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection and is often accompanied by redness, itching, and discharge.
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause eye pain, redness, and swelling. It's often associated with a bacterial or demodex mite infestation.
- Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the cornea can cause significant eye pain, especially when blinking or looking at bright lights.
- Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It's characterized by severe eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a rare but serious infection of the inner eye that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss.
- Orbital Cellulitis: This is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause eye pain, swelling, and protrusion of the eye.
- Retinal Detachment: This is a condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing eye pain, flashes of light, and vision loss.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Scleritis: This is an inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye. It can cause severe eye pain, redness, and tenderness to the touch.
- Optic Neuritis: This is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain, vision loss, and sensitivity to light.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing severe eye pain, often accompanied by facial pain and sensitivity to light.
- Ocular Migraine: This is a condition that causes eye pain, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances, often accompanied by a headache.