Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Eye Burning, Tearing, Photophobia, Foreign Body Sensation

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: This condition is characterized by insufficient lubrication of the eyes, leading to symptoms such as burning, tearing, photophobia, and a foreign body sensation. It is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, certain medications, and autoimmune disorders.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: An allergic reaction to substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause conjunctivitis, leading to symptoms of eye burning, tearing, and photophobia.
  • Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can cause burning, itching, and tearing of the eyes, along with a foreign body sensation.
  • Viral Conjunctivitis: Viral infections, such as those caused by adenovirus, can lead to conjunctivitis, characterized by eye burning, tearing, and photophobia.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Although less common, this condition is an emergency that requires immediate attention. It can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, photophobia, and tearing.
  • Chemical Burns: Exposure to chemical substances can cause severe eye burns, leading to symptoms of burning, tearing, and photophobia.
  • Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry eye syndrome, along with other systemic symptoms.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Sarcoidosis: A systemic inflammatory disease that can affect the eyes, causing uveitis, conjunctivitis, and other ocular symptoms.
  • Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the cornea, leading to symptoms of eye burning, tearing, and photophobia.
  • Trachoma: A rare infectious disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can cause chronic conjunctivitis and lead to blindness if left untreated.