Differential Diagnosis for Acute Left Eye Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: This condition is characterized by sudden, severe eye pain, often accompanied by blurred vision, headache, and nausea. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dry eye syndrome: This condition can cause eye pain, especially if the dryness is severe. It is often accompanied by itching, burning, and blurred vision.
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, this condition can cause eye pain, redness, and discharge. It can be viral or bacterial in nature.
- Corneal abrasion: A scratch on the cornea can cause severe eye pain, especially when blinking. It may be accompanied by redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
- 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 eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause eye pain, swelling, and vision loss. It can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Retinal detachment: A condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, causing eye pain, flashes of light, and vision loss. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye, can cause severe eye pain, redness, and tenderness. It is often associated with autoimmune disorders.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause eye pain, vision loss, and sensitivity to light. It is often associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Cluster headaches: A rare type of headache that can cause severe eye pain, often accompanied by redness, tearing, and sweating.