Amaurosis Fugax: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It

Have you ever experienced sudden vision loss, like a curtain briefly covering one eye, then returning to normal within minutes? If so, you should not ignore it, as it may indicate disrupted blood flow to the eye. 

A condition that is associated with this symptom is amaurosis fugax. Then, what is amaurosis fugax, and why should it be a concern? Learn more in the explanation below. 

What Is Amaurosis Fugax?

Amaurosis fugax is a condition of temporary vision loss in one eye that lasts for a few seconds to minutes, caused by disrupted blood flow to the retina. In rare cases, this condition can affect both eyes. 

Although temporary, these vision problems should not be ignored, as they may be an early warning sign of serious conditions, such as stroke or other vascular disorders. 

Causes of Amaurosis Fugax

Amaurosis fugax is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition. This may occur due to the following factors: 

• Hypoperfusion.
• Vasospasm.
• Thromboembolism from carotid plaque. 
• Decreased plasma viscosity.
• Cerebrovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis. 

Additionally, amaurosis fugax can also be triggered by other conditions, such as: 

• Migraine.
• Brain tumors.
• Head injuries.
• Optic neuritis.
• Certain vascular diseases.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerve protective layers (myelin) in the central nervous system.
• Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, including blood vessels and organs, affecting blood flow to the eye. 

Potential Risks of Amaurosis Fugax

Some conditions and habits that can increase the risk of an individual experiencing amaurosis fugax are as follows:

• Narrowing of the carotid arteries.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• A history of transient ischemic attack.
• Smoking habits.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Use of illicit drugs, such as cocaine.
• Age 50 and above. 

Symptoms of Amaurosis Fugax

Amaurosis fugax symptoms typically occur suddenly and temporarily, marked by vision loss in one eye, as if a dark curtain has been drawn. This condition generally lasts for a few seconds to minutes, then returns to normal without any pain.

In some cases, the affected person may experience blurred or dim vision before losing it completely. This symptom often recurs and can be a warning sign of a vascular disorder that requires prompt evaluation. 

Diagnosing Amaurosis Fugax

Before establishing a diagnosis, the doctor conducts an anamnesis to gather information about the symptoms, injury history, and the patient’s health. Additionally, the doctor performs an eye examination to assess the condition, including visual acuity testing, pupil reflex assessment, and internal eye examination (fundoscopy). If needed, the doctor may also recommend supporting tests, such as: 

• Blood tests to measure cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and signs of inflammation, such as CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Holter monitoring.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) tests.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
• Vascular imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan.

Complications of Amaurosis Fugax

Complications of amaurosis fugax are generally related to underlying vascular conditions, which also can be serious. Some complications that may occur are as follows:

• Stroke caused by blocked blood vessels to the brain. 
• Cardiac event, such as a heart attack
• Death in cases that are not properly treated.

Treatment for Amaurosis Fugax

Amaurosis fugax treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity. In some cases, the patient may not require specific therapy and is only recommended to undergo regular check-ups to monitor the condition of the heart and carotid arteries. 

In addition, the doctor may prescribe blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin, to reduce the risk of stroke. If a significant blockage in the carotid arteries is found, carotid endarterectomy may be performed, depending on the patient’s overall health. The doctor then determines the most appropriate treatment based on the examination results and the patient’s overall health. 

How to Prevent Amaurosis Fugax

Preventing amaurosis fugax involves maintaining healthy blood vessels and managing risk factors. Some preventive measures you can take include: 

• Adopting a healthy diet with low-saturated fats and high fiber intake. 
• Maintaining an ideal weight.
• Exercising regularly, at least 150 minutes per week or 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. 
• Undergoing regular health examination.
• Controlling blood pressure within a normal range.
• Managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 
• Quitting smoking and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Undergoing regular health examination, especially if you have risk factors of cardiovascular disease. 

That concludes the information on amaurosis fugax, covering symptoms, causes, and treatment. Although this condition is temporary, you should be cautious, as it can be a warning sign of serious vascular diseases. 

You can also consult an ophthalmologist to ensure your vision condition is well monitored and to receive appropriate treatment. If needed, the doctor may recommend further tests to detect any underlying disorder. 

For comprehensive examination, you can trust your eye health to JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics. Through the Low Vision service, JEC provides specialized treatment for patients with retinal problems, including conditions related to blood flow to the eye. 

Every examination and treatment at JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics is carried out by an experienced ophthalmologist, supported by modern medical technology, and tailored to each patient’s specific needs and conditions.