Amaurosis fugax

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Retina

Transient monocular blindness

Symptoms include the sudden loss of vision in one eye. This usually only lasts seconds but may last several minutes. Some patients describe the loss of vision as a gray or black shade coming down over their eye.

Tests include a thorough ophthalmological and neurological examination. Subsequently, a carotid ultrasound or an MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) should be done to evaluate the amount of blockage in the carotid artery.

Routine blood tests such as cholesterol and glucose should be done to assess risk of atherosclerosis, which increases with elevated cholesterol and diabetes.

Review Date: 09/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.