Differential Diagnosis for Bubbles in Vision
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Vitreous floaters: This condition is characterized by the presence of small, shadowy spots in the visual field, often described as bubbles or cobwebs. It is a common and usually benign condition, especially in individuals with a history of myopia or after eye surgery.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Ocular migraine: Also known as retinal migraine, this condition can cause temporary visual disturbances, including seeing bubbles or shimmering lights, usually affecting one eye.
- Dry eye syndrome: Severe dryness can lead to visual disturbances, including the perception of bubbles or blurriness in vision.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): A common age-related condition where the vitreous gel separates from the retina, causing floaters that might be described as bubbles.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Retinal detachment: A medical emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye. Symptoms can include sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain or shadow descending over the field of vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that can lead to vision problems, including floaters, due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
- Central retinal artery occlusion: A blockage of the central retinal artery, leading to sudden, painless loss of vision, which might initially be perceived as bubbles or a curtain descending over the visual field.
- Rare diagnoses
- Intraocular lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause visual disturbances, including floaters.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, which can cause sudden onset of floaters or vision loss.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can lead to symptoms including floaters, due to inflammatory debris in the vitreous.