Differential Diagnosis for Floaters and Blurring of Vision

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This condition is the most common cause of floaters and is often accompanied by blurring of vision due to the detachment of the vitreous gel from the retina. It is more common in older adults and those who are nearsighted.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Vitreous Degeneration: Similar to PVD, vitreous degeneration can cause floaters and blurred vision due to the aging process affecting the vitreous gel.
• Retinal Tear or Detachment: These conditions can cause sudden onset of floaters and blurred vision, especially if they lead to retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea can cause floaters and blurred vision, among other symptoms like eye pain and sensitivity to light.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Especially in patients with diabetes, this condition can lead to floaters and blurred vision due to the damage high blood sugar does to the blood vessels in the retina.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Retinal Detachment: Although mentioned under other likely diagnoses, it's crucial to emphasize its importance here due to its potential for permanent vision loss if not promptly treated.
• Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A sudden blockage of the central retinal artery can cause severe, unilateral vision loss, which might initially present with floaters and blurring.
• Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Similar to artery occlusion, vein occlusion can lead to sudden vision changes, including floaters and blurring, due to the backup of blood in the retina.
• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause blurred vision, pain on eye movement, and might be accompanied by floaters, especially in the context of multiple sclerosis.

Rare Diagnoses

• Ocular Lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that can affect the eye and cause a variety of symptoms, including floaters and blurred vision.
• Intraocular Tumors: Tumors within the eye, such as melanoma, can cause floaters and vision changes among other symptoms.
• Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A rare, inflammatory condition that can occur after eye injury or surgery, leading to vision problems in the unaffected eye, including floaters and blurring.
• Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome: A condition where the vitreous gel pulls on the macula, causing blurred vision and metamorphopsia (distorted vision), and might be associated with floaters.