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Introduction

Amaurosis fugax, also known as transient monocular blindness, is a brief episode of vision loss affecting one eye.  The most common etiology is a temporary reduction in retinal blood flow due to atherosclerotic emboli from the ipsilateral carotid artery.  Although symptoms typically resolve spontaneously in <10 minutes, amaurosis fugax is often a warning sign for future vascular events, such as stroke, making it crucial to recognize and manage promptly.

Pathogenesis

Amaurosis fugax is caused primarily by a transient ischemic attack of the retina, usually due to atherosclerotic emboli originating from the ipsilateral carotid artery.  When an embolus occludes an artery supplying the retina (eg, ophthalmic or central retinal artery), hypoxia ensues and results in transient monocular vision deficits.  After the embolus is broken up or displaced (spontaneously), retinal perfusion is restored and vision returns, usually within 10 minutes.

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