Differential Diagnosis for Red Eyes when Waking Up
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Dry eye syndrome: This is a common condition that can cause red, itchy, and irritated eyes, especially in the morning due to decreased tear production during sleep.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, or other environmental factors can cause redness and irritation in the eyes, which may be more noticeable in the morning.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is a highly contagious infection that can cause redness, discharge, and irritation in the eyes, often worse in the morning due to accumulated discharge.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can cause redness, itching, and irritation, which may be more pronounced in the morning.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss, which may be worse in the morning.
- Endophthalmitis: A rare but serious infection within the eye that can cause severe pain, redness, and vision loss, often requiring prompt medical attention.
- Orbital cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause redness, swelling, and vision changes, which may be worse in the morning.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry eyes, among other symptoms, due to decreased tear production.
- Thyroid ophthalmopathy: A condition associated with thyroid disease that can cause bulging eyes, redness, and irritation.
- Erythema multiforme: A rare skin condition that can cause red, target-shaped lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, including the eyes.