What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Transient Monocular Blindness
• Transient Monocular Visual Loss
• Transient Vision Loss (TVL)

What is Amaurosis Fugax? (Definition/Background Information)

• Amaurosis Fugax is a temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes due to a lack of blood flow to the retina, which is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye
• The experience of Amaurosis Fugax consists of one’s vision clouding over, which can last from a few seconds to up to several minutes
• Amaurosis Fugax is not a disorder on its own, but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition. It may be caused due to a combination of both biological and environmental factors
• In many cases, Amaurosis Fugax develops due to a blood clot or plaque blocking an artery in the eye. It may also be due to spasm of the artery supplying blood to the retina
• The treatment for Amaurosis Fugax varies based on its cause, and may involve both lifestyle changes and the use of medication. Once the obstruction of the blood flow is resolved, the vision is restored
• However, if the blockage does not resolve on its own, the affected individual may experience weakness on one side of the body and difficulty speaking, which are symptoms associated with a stroke
• In such cases, the prognosis of Amaurosis Fugax is guarded, since these symptoms may indicate an increased risk for brain stroke. With immediate and proper treatment, most individuals are able to prevent or reduce the associated complications and lead a healthy life

Who gets Amaurosis Fugax? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Amaurosis Fugax most commonly occurs in adults, but it can also be seen in some children
• The disorder occurs equally in both males and females
• This condition may be prevalent in all racial and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Amaurosis Fugax? (Predisposing Factors)

Some known risk factors for Amaurosis Fugax may include:

• Advancing age 
• Heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Family history of stroke
• High blood pressure
• High levels of cholesterol
• Smoking

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Amaurosis Fugax? (Etiology)

Amaurosis Fugax is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the eyes, which may be triggered by any of the following conditions:

• Transient blurring may be due to benign conditions such as dry eyes and ocular migraine. These benign conditions have to be ruled out first
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Brain tumor
• Head injury
• History of multiple sclerosis that results in the inflammation of nerves due to the immune cells attacking the nervous system
• History of systemic lupus erythematosus, which is an autoimmune disease
• Migraine headaches
• Optic neuritis or inflammation of the optic nerve
• Polyarteritis nodosa - a disease affecting the blood vessels
• Vasospasm: Blood vessels constrict/narrow (often temporary or transient) in the eye restricting blood flow. This may be caused by the following factors:
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Running for long distances
  • Sexual intercourse

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Amaurosis Fugax?

The signs and symptoms of Amaurosis Fugax may include the following:

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
• Blurry or spotty vision
• A gray or black shade over the eyes

How is Amaurosis Fugax Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Amaurosis Fugax is made on the basis of information gathered from the following tests and exams:

• Complete physical evaluation and an assessment of signs and symptoms
• Comprehensive analysis of medical history
• Eye examination including:
  • Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
  • Slit-lamp examination: Examination of the eye structure using a special instrument called a slit-lamp. In this procedure, the pupils are dilated and the internal eye structure is examined
• Laboratory tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Ultrasound imaging of the affected region
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Differential diagnosis to rule out other disorders that may be present with similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Amaurosis Fugax?

Amaurosis Fugax may lead to the following complications:

• Dizziness
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty with speech
• Brain stroke
• Permanent loss of vision

How is Amaurosis Fugax Treated?

The treatment for Amaurosis Fugax may depend on the underlying condition and can include:

• Bringing about certain lifestyle changes including:
  • Healthy eating
  • Regular physical activity
  • Quitting smoking
• Use of medication for the following conditions:
  • Reduce blood pressure levels
  • Reduce cholesterol levels
  • For diabetes to promote good glycemic index
  • Lowering risk for stroke (with blood thinning drugs)
• Surgery, if there is a large blockage in the arteries that needs to be removed (usually performed as a last resort)

How can Amaurosis Fugax be Prevented?

The following methods may aid in preventing the onset of Amaurosis Fugax:

• Reducing consumption of high-calorie and low-nutrient foods
• Refraining from alcohol and drug use
• Quitting smoking
• Regular physical check-ups to assess any vascular problem that may need treatment
• Keeping diabetes under control by bringing about food and lifestyle changes (physical activities), as required

What is the Prognosis of Amaurosis Fugax? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Amaurosis Fugax is dependent on the cause of the condition and the severity of the presenting signs and symptoms
• With a timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, most individuals are able to avoid/minimize any complications
• However, a presence of complications, such as stroke, may lead to guarded prognoses

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Amaurosis Fugax:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/