Differential Diagnosis for Waking up with Pain and Pressure in the Eyes
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dry eye syndrome: This condition is characterized by insufficient lubrication of the eyes, leading to discomfort, pain, and pressure, especially upon waking due to prolonged closure of the eyelids during sleep.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the eyes, especially if the sinuses near the eyes are affected. This pain can be worse in the morning due to the accumulation of mucus during the night.
- Migraines: Some types of migraines can cause eye pain and pressure, which may be worse in the morning.
- Glaucoma: Although less common, certain types of glaucoma can cause eye pain and pressure, especially in the morning.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency that causes severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss. It requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and vision changes. It is a serious condition that requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause pain with eye movement and vision loss. It can be associated with multiple sclerosis and other conditions.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Thyroid ophthalmopathy: Associated with Graves' disease, it can cause bulging of the eyes, pain, and pressure due to inflammation of the tissues around the eye.
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye), which can cause severe pain, redness, and tenderness to the touch.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.