Final answer:
The most likely diagnosis is keratoconjunctivitis, an inflammation of both the cornea and the conjunctiva, which includes symptoms such as irritation, excess tears, and light sensitivity. Diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications like corneal scarring and vision impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Likely Diagnosis:
The most likely diagnosis for a patient with mild erythema of the conjunctiva, bilateral flat white growths on the cornea, and symptoms like irritation, excess tears, and sensitivity to light is keratoconjunctivitis. This condition refers to the inflammation of both the cornea and the conjunctiva, which may lead to significant discomfort and requires medical attention to prevent complications such as progressive corneal scarring. Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common example of conjunctiva inflammation and can occur in acute or chronic forms.
When involving the cornea and leading to the formation of lesions that could impair vision, the condition can advance to keratitis or keratoconjunctivitis, particularly if the growths are encroaching on the corneal surface. While infectious agents can cause these conditions, irritation and immune responses may also be culprits.