Transient Monocular Visual Loss (Amaurosis Fugax): How Does Age Impact Diagnosis?

Overview

Journal Ophthalmol Ther

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2024 Apr 8

PMID 38587773

Authors

Vivian Paraskevi Douglas

Sruti S Rachapudi

Pamela Davila-Siliezar

Noor A R Laylani

Andrew G Lee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Transient monocular visual loss (TMVL), also known as transient monocular blindness or amaurosis fugax ("fleeting blindness"), is a temporary loss of vision often due to ischemia to the retina. While acute TMVL should be considered an emergency that further requires exhaustive investigation, there are some cases in which TMVL arises secondary to benign causes. Age has a major impact in the diagnosis of ischemia and although the differential diagnosis of TMVL can be broad, timely and appropriate history, examination, diagnostic testing, and treatment can be vision- or life-saving. We review the causes of TMVL and the impact of age on the differential diagnoses and management.

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