Amaurosis fugax

When retinal artery occlusion it comes to the closure of the central artery of the retina ( central retinal artery ) of the eye. It is followed by a lack of oxygen to the retina. Symptom is the sudden painless blindness in one eye for about 30 seconds after the shutter event. Reason for the closure is a registered flooded blood clot ( embolism), which mostly comes from a neck artery or in the context of cardiac arrhythmia caused by an atrial thrombus. After 60 to 90 minutes are present even permanent retinal damage. The study shows almost complete loss of vision, lack of pupillary reflex and a white- grayish discoloration of the non -perfused retina sections in the funduscopy. Treatment trials with massage of the eyeball to Emboluslösung, anticoagulation and reduction in intraocular pressure are taken. The prognosis is still poor. Spontaneous improvements occur only in incomplete closure.

A brief exposure of retinal arterial occlusion with complete regression of blindness within minutes is called amaurosis fugax (Latin volatile blindness ). He is often considered as the first signs of cerebral circulatory disorder and can also occur in conjunction with a carotid artery stenosis.

The risk factors of vascular events in the eye correspond to those of embolism and atherosclerosis in general, ie, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and Herzklappenvitien. Add to that the ipsilateral carotid stenosis.

Etiologically particularly important to note for both diagnoses is known as the giant, also known as Horton's disease. On suspicion quick action is essential, since a stroke and loss of the other eye to be feared. This immediately cortisone is administered in high doses without final confirmation. Special attention to the existence of this etiology is therefore particularly important.