Differential Diagnosis for Teary Painful Eye
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Dry eye syndrome: This is a common condition that can cause teary and painful eyes due to inflammation and irritation of the ocular surface.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial): Infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva can cause pain, redness, and tearing of the eye.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can lead to painful, teary eyes due to irritation and blockage of the meibomian glands.
- Corneal abrasion or ulcer: Damage to the cornea can cause severe pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea can cause pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light, especially if the iris is involved.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: A medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, tearing, and vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Endophthalmitis: A rare but potentially devastating infection of the inner eye that requires immediate treatment to preserve vision.
- Orbital cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the eye that can cause pain, tearing, and vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dry, painful eyes due to inflammation of the lacrimal gland.
- Trichiasis: A condition where the eyelashes grow inward, causing irritation and pain to the cornea.
- Dacryocystitis: Inflammation of the lacrimal sac that can cause pain, tearing, and swelling of the eye.