Symptoms and Treatment of Amaurosis fugax
Amaurosis fugax is caused when blood flow to the retina stops temporarily resulting in loss of vision. This is a rare disease.
Symptoms: The individual experiences a feeling akin to curtain falling over eye. This loss of vision lasts for as long as the blood flow is suspended. This lack of blood flow is said to be due to a clot carotid artery moving to the retinoid artery. There is no permanent damage that is caused due to Amaurosis fugax but it could suggest that the patient is at a risk of a stroke and it is essential to contact a doctor at the earliest.
Risk Factors: Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking contribute to atherosclerosis which is the primary factor of risk for Amaurosis fugax. Atherosclerosis is the collection and thickening of fatty material which causes the clot.
Diagnosis: Though the loss of sight is temporary it is essential to do a thorough medical check up. This would involve an overview of the patients’ medical history, a physical examination, blood tests, lab tests and an eye examination. A scan may also be done to assess the intensity of the block. If there is an abnormality in the lab tests it implies that it is systemic disease while an irregularity in the eye test would imply an ophthalmologic disease. Despite all the tests if there is nothing wrong further evaluation may be done through fluorescein angiography.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the results of the test. If it is a systemic disease then appropriate medication is given. If the results are ocular then it depends on the severity of the loss of eyesight. If the loss of vision is high then surgery must be done. Otherwise blood thinning medicines or aspirin may be prescribed. The patient’s medical condition is also taken into consideration while evaluating the treatment required. If the condition is left untreated it poses a high risk of stroke. Even if all the tests reveal no abnormality it is advisable to keep the patient under observation for a few days.
Prevention: Regular exercise, healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol help in reducing the risk of contracting this disease.
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