Differential Diagnosis for Unilateral Eye Redness, Blurry Vision, and Photophobia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Anterior Uveitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms include unilateral eye redness, blurry vision, photophobia, and mild headache, all of which match the patient's presentation. Uveitis is a common cause of these symptoms and is often idiopathic but can be associated with various systemic diseases or infections.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis: Although typically bilateral, conjunctivitis can present unilaterally and cause redness, discharge, and photophobia. However, blurry vision is less common unless the conjunctivitis is severe or there is associated corneal involvement.
- Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea can cause pain, redness, photophobia, and blurry vision. It can be due to infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) or non-infectious causes.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a medical emergency that presents with sudden onset of severe eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and photophobia, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The mild headache mentioned might not fully capture the severity of pain typically associated with this condition, but it should be considered due to its urgency.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Endophthalmitis: A severe, vision-threatening infection within the eye that can occur post-surgically or following an eye injury. Symptoms include severe eye pain, redness, photophobia, and decreased vision. Although less common, missing this diagnosis could result in significant vision loss.
- Orbital Cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause redness, swelling, pain, and decreased vision. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- Retinal Detachment: While not typically causing redness, a retinal detachment can lead to sudden blurry vision and photophobia. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention to preserve vision.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye, which can cause severe pain, redness, and photophobia. It is less common than other conditions listed and often associated with systemic autoimmune diseases.
- Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A rare, bilateral granulomatous uveitis that can occur after penetrating eye injury or surgery. It is a rare but serious condition that can result in significant vision loss if not recognized and treated promptly.