Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Vision Loss in One Eye
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition is a common cause of intermittent vision loss in one eye, especially in older adults. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This condition can cause intermittent blurred vision or vision loss in one eye due to inadequate tear production or poor tear quality.
- Blepharospasm: Abnormal spasms of the eyelid muscles can cause intermittent vision loss or blurred vision in one eye.
- Migraine: Ocular migraines can cause temporary, intermittent vision loss or blindness in one eye, often accompanied by headache or other migraine symptoms.
- Retinal Migraine: Similar to ocular migraines, but specifically affecting the retina, causing transient vision loss in one eye.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A blockage of the central retinal artery can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, which may be intermittent if the blockage is temporary or partial.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause vision loss, pain, and other symptoms in one eye, and is often associated with multiple sclerosis.
- Temporal Arteritis: Similar to giant cell arteritis, but affecting the temporal artery, which can cause vision loss, headache, and jaw claudication.
- Carotid Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the carotid artery can cause intermittent vision loss in one eye due to decreased blood flow to the eye.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause intermittent vision loss, double vision, or eyelid drooping due to muscle weakness.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause vision loss, but is a rare cause of intermittent vision loss in one eye.
- Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure can cause transient vision loss, but is typically bilateral.
- Choroidal Melanoma: A rare type of eye cancer that can cause vision loss or blindness in one eye, often with other symptoms such as flashes or floaters.