Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Vision Loss with "All White" Vision
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Cataracts: This condition is characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to vision loss. The "all white" description could be indicative of the white opacity seen in advanced cataracts, affecting both eyes and thus causing bilateral vision loss.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Glaucoma: While glaucoma typically causes peripheral vision loss initially, advanced cases can lead to significant vision impairment. However, the "all white" description is less typical for glaucoma.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: In advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy can cause significant vision loss in both eyes. The "all white" vision could be a lay description of the severe visual disturbances caused by retinal damage.
- Retinal Detachment: This is a medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its normal position. Symptoms can include sudden vision loss and visual disturbances, though "all white" vision is not the most common description.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one or both eyes and is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Pituitary Apoplexy: A condition where a pituitary tumor suddenly hemorrhages or becomes infarcted, potentially causing sudden bilateral vision loss due to compression of the optic chiasm.
- Stroke or Cerebral Vasculitis: Certain types of stroke or cerebral vasculitis affecting the visual pathways can cause sudden bilateral vision loss.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON): A rare inherited disease that causes sudden and irreversible vision loss, typically in young adults.
- Toxic or Nutritional Optic Neuropathy: Certain toxins or nutritional deficiencies can cause bilateral optic neuropathy, leading to vision loss.
- Malignant Ocular Tumors: Though rare, tumors such as retinoblastoma or choroidal melanoma can cause vision loss if they affect both eyes or critical visual pathways.