Differential Diagnosis for Focal Medial Eye Redness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction: This condition is a common cause of medial eye redness, especially in infants, but can also occur in adults. It leads to inflammation and infection due to the blockage of tear drainage.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Medial canthal tendonitis or abscess: Inflammation or infection of the medial canthal tendon can cause redness and swelling in the medial aspect of the eye.
- Dacryocystitis: Infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the medial canthus.
- Conjunctivochalasis: A condition where the conjunctiva becomes loose and folds over, potentially causing irritation and redness, particularly in the medial aspect of the eye.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Orbital cellulitis: Although less common, this condition is a serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye and can cause significant morbidity if not promptly treated. It may present with medial eye redness among other symptoms.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from facial or orbital infections, including those causing medial eye redness.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause uveitis and other ocular manifestations, including conjunctival nodules that might lead to focal redness.
- Relapsing polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the cartilage of the ears, nose, and eyes, potentially causing inflammation and redness in the medial canthus.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis): A systemic vasculitis that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, and cause a range of symptoms including redness and inflammation.