The experience of amaurosis fugax is described as a "curtain coming down vertically into the field of vision in one eye". Complete blackness (vision loss) in that eye lasts between 5 and 30 minutes.
The most common cause of amaurosis fugax is emboli (blood clots) coming off a stenosedcarotid artery. Other causes include emboli from the heart or heart valves and arterial spasm.
Even though blindness is temporary, this is a serioussymptom because it indicates the danger of further vascular events occurring, including stroke. Anyone with amaurosis fugax should be reviewed by a doctor with some urgency.
Amaurosisfugax (Greek: fugax meaning fugitive, amaurosis meaning darkening, dark, or obscure) is a painless, temporary loss of vision in one eye caused by decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the retina.
The experience of amaurosisfugax is often described as a "curtain coming down vertically into the field of vision in one eye".
Despite the temporary nature of the blindness, those experiencing amaurosisfugax are usually advised to consult a physician immediately as it is a symptom that usually heralds serious vascular events, including stroke.
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