Red and Gooey Eye Differential
The differential diagnosis for a red and gooey eye can be organized into the following categories:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Conjunctivitis: This is the most common cause of a red and gooey eye, often due to a viral or bacterial infection. The presence of discharge, redness, and irritation are all consistent with conjunctivitis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can cause redness, swelling, and discharge, making it a likely diagnosis for a red and gooey eye.
- Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea can cause redness, pain, and discharge, and can be due to infection, injury, or other causes.
- Dry eye syndrome: Although not typically "gooey", severe dry eye syndrome can cause a red eye and may be accompanied by a discharge-like sensation due to the lack of tears.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Endophthalmitis: A severe, sight-threatening infection within the eye that requires prompt treatment. Although less common, it is critical to consider this diagnosis due to its potential for severe consequences.
- Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause redness, swelling, and discharge, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency that can cause redness, pain, and vision changes, and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness and inflammation of the eyes, but is less common and may not typically present with a "gooey" eye.
- Ocular rosacea: A condition that can cause redness, swelling, and discharge, but is less common and may be associated with other symptoms such as skin lesions.