Differential Diagnosis for Blurred Vision

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Refractive error (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism): This is the most common cause of blurred vision, often correctable with glasses or contact lenses.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Dry eye syndrome: Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality can cause blurred vision, especially in individuals who spend a lot of time on computers or in dry environments.
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye can lead to blurred vision, more common in older adults.
  • Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure, can cause blurred vision.
  • Presbyopia: Age-related decline in near vision, typically starting in the early to mid-40s.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that can cause blurred vision due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
  • Retinal detachment: A medical emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye, requiring immediate treatment to preserve vision.
  • Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause blurred vision and is often associated with multiple sclerosis.
  • Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Blurred vision can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the optic nerve and cause blurred vision.
  • Thyroid eye disease: A condition in which the tissues around the eye, including the eyelids, eye socket, and lacrimal gland, become inflamed due to Graves' disease.
  • Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause blurred vision and is often associated with autoimmune disorders.
  • Pituitary tumors: Tumors in the pituitary gland can compress the optic nerve and cause blurred vision.