Differential Diagnosis for Eye Pain with No Other Symptoms

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Dry Eye Syndrome: This is a common condition that can cause eye pain or discomfort without any other noticeable symptoms. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Eye Strain: Prolonged use of computers, reading, or other activities that involve focusing can lead to eye strain, which may cause pain without other symptoms.
• Sinusitis: Although primarily associated with nasal symptoms, sinus infections can cause referred pain to the eyes due to the proximity of the sinuses to the orbital area.
• Migraine: Some types of migraines can cause eye pain without the characteristic headache, especially if the pain is localized around one eye.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Although typically presents with severe eye pain, blurred vision, and other symptoms, in some cases, it might start with eye pain alone. Missing this diagnosis can lead to permanent vision loss.
• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause eye pain, especially with movement of the eye, and might not have other noticeable symptoms at first. It can be associated with multiple sclerosis.
• Orbital Cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye can cause pain and might not have significant swelling or redness in the early stages.

Rare Diagnoses

• Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye) can cause severe eye pain and might not have other noticeable symptoms initially.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye) can cause eye pain and sensitivity to light but might start with pain as the only symptom in some cases.
• Cluster Headaches: These are rare and can cause severe pain around one eye without other symptoms, although they are typically accompanied by autonomic symptoms like nasal congestion or eyelid drooping.