Differential Diagnosis for Eye Redness that's not Infection
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Dry eye syndrome: This is a common condition that can cause eye redness due to insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to irritation and inflammation.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Allergic conjunctivitis: This condition occurs when the eyes react to an allergen, causing redness, itching, and swelling.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can cause eye redness, often associated with itching, burning, and crusting around the eyelashes.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage: A small blood vessel breaks in the conjunctiva, leading to a bright red patch on the white of the eye, which is usually painless and resolves on its own.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency where the pressure in the eye increases rapidly, causing severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss.
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye), which can be very painful and may lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Orbital cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause redness, swelling, and vision changes, and requires urgent medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Carotid-cavernous fistula: An abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, leading to increased pressure and congestion in the eye, causing redness and vision changes.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry eyes and other systemic symptoms, including joint pain and fatigue.
- Ocular rosacea: A condition characterized by inflammation of the eyes and eyelids, often associated with rosacea of the skin.