Differential Diagnosis for a 72-year-old Female with Upper Eye Swollen and Red
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, swelling, and irritation. It's a common condition, especially in older adults, and can be related to poor eyelid hygiene, makeup use, or underlying conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is an infection or inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens and is characterized by redness, itching, and discharge.
- Hordeolum (Stye): A stye is a small, usually painful, bump on the outside or inside of the eyelid. It's caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to swelling and redness of the eyelid.
- Chalazion: This is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland. It can cause swelling and redness but is typically less painful than a stye.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Orbital Cellulitis: This is a serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, eyebrow, and cheek. It can lead to severe complications, including vision loss, if not promptly treated.
- Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: This condition occurs when the herpes zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles) affects the eye. It can lead to severe pain, redness, and potentially permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA): Formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, GPA is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, including those in the eyes, leading to swelling and redness.
- Sarcoidosis: This is a rare disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of the body, including the eyes. It can cause a variety of eye symptoms, including swelling and redness of the eyelids.