Current management of amaurosis fugax

Abstract

We present a consensus on the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of amaurosis fugax. The phenomenon is denned and described, and the roles that extracranial and ocular vascular diseases play are discussed. Nonvascular ophthalmic and neurologic disorders that can be confused with amaurosis fugax are listed, and an algorithm for evaluation (which includes ophthalmic examination, laboratory studies, and noninvasive carotid artery studies) is given. Treatment of atherosclerosis, carotid artery disease, and other causes of amaurosis fugax are also discussed. © 1990 American Heart Association, Inc.