Amaurosis

Amaurosis is a term derived from Greek, signifying "darkening," "dark," or "obscure". It denotes a loss or weakness in vision, particularly when there isn't a discernible lesion directly affecting the eye. This vision impairment can stem from various medical conditions, or it can arise from significant acceleration, as might be encountered during flight. The Latin term for amaurosis is "gutta serena".

Causes

The etiology of amaurosis can be diverse:

• Medical Conditions: Underlying health problems might precipitate amaurosis, even when there's no visible damage to the eye itself.
• Acceleration: High speeds, such as those experienced during flight, can trigger vision loss.
• Quinidine Toxicity: Overexposure to quinidine may result in cinchonism and quinine amaurosis.

Types

Different manifestations of amaurosis are identified based on their causes and characteristics.

Leber's Congenital Amaurosis

Named after Theodore Leber, who first described it in the 19th century, Leber's congenital amaurosis is an inheritable condition. It leads to optic atrophy, followed by severe vision loss or even blindness. This ailment is congenital, meaning that it's present from birth.

Amaurosis Fugax

With its Latin root "fugax" translating to "fleeting", Amaurosis fugax represents a temporary vision loss in one eye. This transient blindness is attributed to:

• Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the retina can instigate this condition.
• Emboli Formation: Atherosclerotic plaques in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery might dislodge, leading to the vision loss.

Amaurosis fugax is considered a subtype of transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Most individuals who experience this condition recover their vision within minutes. However, a small fraction might suffer from strokes or permanent blindness. Known risk factors amplifying the probability of amaurosis fugax include diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. Furthermore, post-surgical repair of the mitral valve can lead to this condition due to the release of tiny emboli.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Certain factors elevate the risk of developing amaurosis:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Certain surgeries, such as mitral valve repair

Preventive measures involve managing and monitoring these risks, ensuring timely medical check-ups, and adhering to prescribed treatments and lifestyle advice.

See Also

• Optic atrophy
• Transient ischaemic attack
• Cinchonism

References

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