Differential Diagnosis for Eye Pain
- 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. The pain is usually a dull ache or burning sensation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause eye pain, redness, and discharge.
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause eye pain, redness, and swelling.
- Corneal abrasion: This is a scratch on the surface of the eye that can cause eye pain, especially when blinking.
- Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which 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.)
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Endophthalmitis: This is a severe infection of the inner eye that can cause eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Orbital cellulitis: This is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause eye pain, swelling, and vision loss. It can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scleritis: This is an inflammation of the white part of the eye that can cause severe eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
- Optic neuritis: This is an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain, vision loss, and blindness.
- Ocular migraine: This is a rare condition that can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances, often accompanied by a headache.