Differential Diagnosis for Blood in the Eye
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This condition is characterized by the sudden appearance of blood in the eye due to a break in the small blood vessels of the conjunctiva. It's often caused by coughing, sneezing, or straining and is usually harmless and self-limiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hyphema: This refers to bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye, often resulting from trauma. It can lead to increased intraocular pressure and vision problems if not properly managed.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance inside the eyeball, can be caused by diabetes, trauma, or retinal tears. It may lead to floaters, vision loss, and retinal detachment.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion: A blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina, which can cause sudden vision loss and is often associated with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and glaucoma.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Retinal Detachment: Although not directly causing blood in the eye, it can be associated with vitreous hemorrhage and requires immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A blockage of the central retinal artery, which supplies blood to the retina, leading to sudden and severe vision loss. Prompt treatment is crucial to restore vision.
- Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, usually caused by infection. It's a medical emergency that can result from trauma, surgery, or blood-borne infections.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sickle Cell Retinopathy: Complications from sickle cell disease can lead to retinal damage and bleeding due to the abnormal sickling of red blood cells.
- Eale Disease: A rare condition characterized by recurring retinal and vitreous hemorrhages, often affecting young adults, with an unknown cause but possibly linked to an autoimmune response or tuberculosis.
- Terson Syndrome: Bleeding into the vitreous associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, indicating a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.