Differential Diagnosis for Difficulty Seeing Far
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Myopia (nearsightedness): This is the most common cause of difficulty seeing far objects, resulting from the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Presbyopia: An age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects but can also impact distance vision, especially in low light conditions.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) with insufficient accommodation: Although hyperopia primarily affects near vision, significant hyperopia can also impair distance vision, especially in children and young adults who have not yet developed presbyopia.
- Astigmatism: This condition, caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, can lead to blurred or distorted vision at all distances, including far.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that can lead to blindness if left untreated. While it more commonly affects near vision, advanced stages can impact distance vision as well.
- Retinal detachment: A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from its normal position, which can cause sudden vision loss, including difficulty seeing far.
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause pain and vision loss, including difficulty with distance vision.
- Rare diagnoses
- Cataracts: Although more commonly associated with a gradual loss of vision, certain types of cataracts can cause significant visual impairment, including difficulty seeing far objects.
- Macular degeneration: A condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, leading to blurred or distorted vision, which can impact distance vision.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, which can cause a range of symptoms including vision loss, and if not promptly treated, can lead to serious complications.
- Tumors (e.g., optic nerve glioma): Rare growths that can affect the optic nerve or other parts of the eye, potentially causing vision problems, including difficulty seeing far.