AMAUROSIS FUGAX [TRANSIENT MONOCULAR BLINDNESS]

Amaurosis fugax is a short-lived episode of blindness in one eye (monocular). This symptom usually develops suddenly, and many individuals describe the event as "it was as if a shade or curtain came over my eye." It is caused by a blockage or low blood flow within the main blood vessel supplying the eye. Blockages are usually due to a blood clot or plaque (small piece of cholesterol) that breaks off from a larger artery and travels upward to the brain or eye, becoming lodged in the main artery supplying the eye. Low blood flow to the eye may also result from a critical narrowing of one of the main blood vessels supplying blood to the brain and eye. The monocular blindness of amaurosis fugax is generally brief, but in rare cases it may be prolonged or permanent.

An episode of amaurosis fugax is often frightening. Although the visual loss most often gradually resolves, one should seek medical attention right away because this is often one of the warning signs of a stroke.

The treatment of amaurosis fugax depends on identifying the source of the blood clots or cholesterol that have caused low blood flow or blocked the main artery to the eye. Blood clots may come from arteries inside the head, arteries in the neck, or from the heart. Several different tests may need to be done to find the source. These tests may include an ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck, a study of the electrical system of the heart, a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scan of the blood vessels in the head and neck, an echocardiogram of the heart, or an angiogram (dye imaging of the blood vessels). If these studies reveal the source of the problem, medication and/or surgery may be necessary.

• If you are a diabetic, maintain especially good control of your blood sugar.
• If you use tobacco, immediately begin a program to quit smoking. Ask your physician for help.

• DO NOT DRIVE. A sudden loss of vision in one eye could put you and others in danger.
• Don't use tobacco because it promotes vascular disease.
• Don't ignore any of the above signs or symptoms because they may be an early warning sign of a major stroke.

• If you have an unusually severe headache.
• If you have another episode of vision loss, call immediately.
• If you have signs or symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), call immediately. The following are some of the more common symptoms of a TIA:
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body (face, arm, leg).
  • Changes in vision.
  • Confusion.
  • Dizziness.
  • Blindness.
  • Double vision.
  • Slurred speech, inability to talk, or difficulty swallowing.
  • Loss of coordination or balance.

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