Amaurosis fugax: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Amaurosis fugax | |||
| image = [[File:Gray873.png|thumb|right|200px|Diagram of the [[retina]]]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of the [[retina]] | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Transient monocular vision loss]] | |||
| complications = [[Stroke]], [[permanent vision loss]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Usually less than 5 minutes | |||
| causes = [[Embolism]], [[atherosclerosis]], [[giant cell arteritis]], [[migraine]] | |||
| risks = [[Hypertension]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[smoking]], [[hyperlipidemia]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[Doppler ultrasound]], [[angiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Retinal detachment]], [[ocular migraine]], [[optic neuritis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiplatelet therapy]], [[carotid endarterectomy]], [[lifestyle modification]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Common in older adults | |||
}} | |||
== Amaurosis Fugax == | == Amaurosis Fugax == | ||
'''Amaurosis fugax''' is a temporary loss of vision in one eye due to a lack of blood flow to the retina. The term "amaurosis" refers to a darkening, and "fugax" means fleeting, indicating the transient nature of the condition. It is often considered a warning sign of potential [[stroke]] or other [[cerebrovascular disease]]. | '''Amaurosis fugax''' is a temporary loss of vision in one eye due to a lack of blood flow to the retina. The term "amaurosis" refers to a darkening, and "fugax" means fleeting, indicating the transient nature of the condition. It is often considered a warning sign of potential [[stroke]] or other [[cerebrovascular disease]]. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Amaurosis fugax occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the [[retina]], the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. This reduction is usually caused by an [[embolism]] or a [[thrombus]] that travels from the [[carotid artery]] to the retinal artery. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the retinal cells, leading to a temporary loss of vision. | Amaurosis fugax occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the [[retina]], the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. This reduction is usually caused by an [[embolism]] or a [[thrombus]] that travels from the [[carotid artery]] to the retinal artery. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the retinal cells, leading to a temporary loss of vision. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of amaurosis fugax is a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. This vision loss is often described as a "curtain" or "shade" descending over the field of vision. The episode typically lasts from a few seconds to several minutes, after which normal vision returns. Some patients may also experience [[photopsia]], or flashes of light, during the episode. | The primary symptom of amaurosis fugax is a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. This vision loss is often described as a "curtain" or "shade" descending over the field of vision. The episode typically lasts from a few seconds to several minutes, after which normal vision returns. Some patients may also experience [[photopsia]], or flashes of light, during the episode. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of amaurosis fugax involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. [[Ophthalmologists]] may perform a [[fundoscopic examination]] to inspect the retina and optic nerve. Additional tests may include [[carotid ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans to assess blood flow and identify potential sources of emboli. | Diagnosis of amaurosis fugax involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. [[Ophthalmologists]] may perform a [[fundoscopic examination]] to inspect the retina and optic nerve. Additional tests may include [[carotid ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans to assess blood flow and identify potential sources of emboli. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of amaurosis fugax focuses on addressing the underlying cause to prevent future episodes and reduce the risk of stroke. This may involve lifestyle modifications, such as [[smoking cessation]] and [[dietary changes]], as well as medical management with [[antiplatelet]] or [[anticoagulant]] medications. In some cases, surgical interventions like [[carotid endarterectomy]] may be necessary. | The treatment of amaurosis fugax focuses on addressing the underlying cause to prevent future episodes and reduce the risk of stroke. This may involve lifestyle modifications, such as [[smoking cessation]] and [[dietary changes]], as well as medical management with [[antiplatelet]] or [[anticoagulant]] medications. In some cases, surgical interventions like [[carotid endarterectomy]] may be necessary. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
While amaurosis fugax itself is not life-threatening, it is a significant risk factor for future [[ischemic events]]. Patients who experience amaurosis fugax should be evaluated for [[atherosclerosis]] and other cardiovascular risk factors to prevent more serious complications. | While amaurosis fugax itself is not life-threatening, it is a significant risk factor for future [[ischemic events]]. Patients who experience amaurosis fugax should be evaluated for [[atherosclerosis]] and other cardiovascular risk factors to prevent more serious complications. | ||
== Related Pages == | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Retinal artery occlusion]] | * [[Retinal artery occlusion]] | ||
* [[Transient ischemic attack]] | * [[Transient ischemic attack]] | ||
* [[Carotid artery stenosis]] | * [[Carotid artery stenosis]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmology]] | * [[Ophthalmology]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:47, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Amaurosis fugax | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Transient monocular vision loss |
| Complications | Stroke, permanent vision loss |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Usually less than 5 minutes |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Embolism, atherosclerosis, giant cell arteritis, migraine |
| Risks | Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperlipidemia |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, Doppler ultrasound, angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Retinal detachment, ocular migraine, optic neuritis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antiplatelet therapy, carotid endarterectomy, lifestyle modification |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Common in older adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
Amaurosis Fugax[edit]
Amaurosis fugax is a temporary loss of vision in one eye due to a lack of blood flow to the retina. The term "amaurosis" refers to a darkening, and "fugax" means fleeting, indicating the transient nature of the condition. It is often considered a warning sign of potential stroke or other cerebrovascular disease.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Amaurosis fugax occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. This reduction is usually caused by an embolism or a thrombus that travels from the carotid artery to the retinal artery. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the retinal cells, leading to a temporary loss of vision.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of amaurosis fugax is a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. This vision loss is often described as a "curtain" or "shade" descending over the field of vision. The episode typically lasts from a few seconds to several minutes, after which normal vision returns. Some patients may also experience photopsia, or flashes of light, during the episode.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of amaurosis fugax involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Ophthalmologists may perform a fundoscopic examination to inspect the retina and optic nerve. Additional tests may include carotid ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess blood flow and identify potential sources of emboli.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of amaurosis fugax focuses on addressing the underlying cause to prevent future episodes and reduce the risk of stroke. This may involve lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and dietary changes, as well as medical management with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. In some cases, surgical interventions like carotid endarterectomy may be necessary.
Prognosis[edit]
While amaurosis fugax itself is not life-threatening, it is a significant risk factor for future ischemic events. Patients who experience amaurosis fugax should be evaluated for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors to prevent more serious complications.
