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Last updated: August 14, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Central Vision Changes

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This is a common condition in older adults that can cause central vision changes, including blind spots, distorted vision, and loss of central vision. The likelihood of AMD increases with age, smoking, and family history.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Diabetic Macular Edema: A complication of diabetes that causes fluid buildup in the macula, leading to central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.
  • Macular Hole: A small break in the macula that can cause central vision changes, including distorted vision and blind spots.
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A condition that causes fluid buildup under the retina, leading to central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.
  • Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision, blind spots, and pain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Retinal Detachment: A medical emergency that can cause central vision changes, including flashes of light, floaters, and a curtain or shadow descending over the visual field.
  • Giant Cell Arteritis: A condition that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, and headaches. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Pituitary Tumor: A tumor that can compress the optic chiasm, causing central vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, and loss of peripheral vision.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A rare genetic disorder that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.
  • Best Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.
  • Stargardt Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.
  • Toxoplasmosis: A rare parasitic infection that can cause central vision changes, including blurred vision and blind spots.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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