Amaurosis fugax

Amaurosis fugax is a type of transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It is caused by ischemia (decreased blood flow) to the retina, usually by an embolus (detached blood clot) entering the ophthalmic artery .

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 stenosed carotid artery. Other causes include emboli from the heart or heart valves and arterial spasm.

Even though blindness is temporary, this is a serious symptom 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.