Amaurosis fugax is a condition of vision loss over a short period of time. This disease can occur in one or both eyes due to lack of blood flow to the retina of the eye.
The retina itself is a layer of tissue behind the eyeball that is sensitive to light. This condition has another name called temporary monocular blindness or temporary loss of vision.
This condition usually occurs suddenly and disappears within a few seconds or minutes. In essence, this condition is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of another disease. Underlying health problems that can occur with this symptom include blood clots or insufficient blood flow to the blood vessels supplying the eye.
Symptoms of Amaurosis Fugax
Symptoms of this condition include sudden and temporary loss of vision. A person will feel as if something is covering both eyes. This disturbance is usually a temporary effect that lasts for seconds to minutes. Some people describe it as feeling like someone is pulling a shadow from their eyes.
This situation can occur alone or together with other neurological symptoms. In some cases, it can be one of the symptoms of transient ischemic attack or mini stroke. This condition causes symptoms like stroke that are temporary.
In addition to temporary blindness, other symptoms associated with a mini-stroke can include difficulty speaking, drooping or stiffness on one side of the face, and sudden weakness and stiffness on one side of the body. Mini-strokes need to be treated immediately, one of which is to prevent permanent blindness.
Causes of Amaurosis Fugax
This condition can occur for several different reasons. First, this condition occurs due to a temporary blockage of blood flow to the central retinal artery in the eye. Generally, blood clots in the eye are caused by plaque (a small amount of cholesterol or fat) or blood clots in the blood vessels.
This plaque can form due to diseases such as:
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Excessive cocaine consumption.
- Diabetes.
- History of hereditary stroke.
- High cholesterol.
- High blood pressure.
- Liver disease.
Narrowed blood vessels in the carotid arteries can also reduce blood flow to the eyes and cause blindness. In addition to blockages, other causes can include brain tumors, head trauma, polyarteritis nodosa, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Risk Factors for Amaurosis Fugax
Risk factors for this condition can occur in someone who has a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a history of alcohol or cocaine abuse.
Other factors that can increase the risk include:
- Cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Smoking actively or passively.
- Brain tumor.
- Head injury.
- Have had multiple sclerosis.
- History of systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Migraine headache.
- Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve.
- Polyarteritis nodosa, a disease that affects the blood vessels.
In addition, diseases that can affect the nervous system and blood flow to the head can also be the cause of this condition. A person can also suffer from this eye disorder due to vasospasm, which is a blood vessel in the eye that suddenly tightens so that blood flow is restricted. Some things that cause vasospasm are heavy exercise, long-distance running, and sexual intercourse.
Diagnosis of Amaurosis Fugax
If someone experiences the symptoms listed above, do not ignore them. Call your doctor right away. They will ask about your symptoms and take a medical history. The doctor will then perform a physical exam, including an eye exam. The doctor may also order tests, which may include:
- CT Scan to identify blockages or damage to blood vessels in the sufferer’s eyes.
- Blood tests to determine cholesterol levels and the possibility of blood clotting in sufferers.
- An electrocardiogram, or EKG, to identify irregularities in the person’s heartbeat that may be causing amaurosis fugax.
- Visual acuity test to measure how well a person can see and identify different shapes and letters from a distance.
- Fundoscopy to look for abnormalities in the back of the eye, such as bleeding, swelling, or discoloration.
- Electrophysiological tests to measure nerve activity in the eye to help diagnose problems with the optic nerve that can cause blindness.
The doctor will consider the person’s symptoms, age, and overall health when making a diagnosis of amaurosis fugax and temporary vision loss.
Complications of Amaurosis Fugax
Although amaurosis fugax is a fleeting condition with symptoms lasting from a few minutes to an hour, it is often an indicator of an underlying medical condition.
This includes an increased risk of stroke, which can be fatal. If a person ignores these signs, they are at risk of developing more severe complications.
Amaurosis Fugax Treatment
Treatment for this visual disturbance depends on the source of the blood clot or ruptured cholesterol vessel that is causing the reduced blood flow or blockage of the artery. The blood clot may originate in the arteries of the head, neck, or heart.
The treatment method also depends on the location and extent of the arterial blockage. If more than 70 percent of the diameter of the carotid artery is blocked, the doctor may perform surgery to remove the blockage.
In addition, the condition of the sufferer also affects the action, so the doctor will choose the most appropriate surgical method. The method of installing a circuit pump with a mesh ball (stent) may also be used to open a blocked artery.
In addition to medical procedures, treatments that doctors can recommend for sufferers include:
- Use of medications such as aspirin or anticoagulants.
- A special diet that is low in fat and does not involve alcohol.
- Stop the habit of smoking if you still have it.
- Do regular exercise for 30–60 minutes.
- Maintain blood pressure less than 120–130/80 mm Hg.
- Adjust with other medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol.
Prevention of Amaurosis Fugax
Some things that can be done to prevent this condition include:
- Avoid foods high in cholesterol
High cholesterol consumption can worsen this condition. Cholesterol can increase fat in the body and narrow blood flow to the retina.
- Avoid foods that are too salty
Consuming too much salt can cause fluid buildup in the body. This can affect the blood vessels in the eye area.
- Avoid possible injury to the head area
Since the optic nerve is located in the skull, head trauma can also block blood flow. It is best to avoid activities that risk causing head injuries as much as possible.
When to See a Doctor?
If your family or relatives experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above or have any questions, please consult a doctor immediately.
