|
|
Fleeting
blindness
|
|
- Emboli (blood clots) travel from the carotid
artery (near the heart) to the retinal arteries, thereby
blocking the blood supply to the part of the eye known as the
retina, and resulting in vision loss. In young patients,
spasm of the retinal arteries blocks the blood
supply.
|
|
- A "curtain" appears to pass down
over the visual field, causing complete loss of vision in
the affected eye that lasts a few
minutes.
|
|
- Atherosclerosis (cholesterol
plaques) form in the carotid arteries, causing the narrowing
of the arteries. Emboli made of blood or cholesterol may
then be released, blocking the retinal arteries.
- Blood clots from heart valves or
the heart itself due to underlying heart disease
- Retinal vascular spasm in younger
individuals
|
|
- Examination by ophthalmologist
- Tests:
- Doppler or ultrasound of
carotid arteries
- MRA (similar to MRI but evaluates
carotid arteries)
- Carotid angiography (dye
test of the carotid arteries)
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the
heart)
|
|
- Immediate evaluation by an
ophthalmologist
- Treatment of underlying causes
which -- if due to carotid artery disease -- may include anti-platelet medications (e.g., aspirin, Plavix) or carotid
endarterectomy (surgically removing cholesterol plaque in
the carotid artery).
- If due to heart disease, treatment
will depend on the specific
cause.
|
|
- Amaurosis Fugax may be a warning sign for an impending stroke, or may be a sign of underlying heart disease. It therefore needs careful evaluation by an ophthalmologist and your primary care physician.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|