Amaurosis (Greek meaning darkening, dark, or obscure) is vision loss or weakness that occurs without an apparent lesion affecting the eye ^*. It may result from either a medical condition of from excess acceleration, as in flight. The term is the same as the Latin gutta serena.

Types

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Leber's congenital amaurosis is an inherited disease resulting in severe vision loss or blindness that was first described by Theodore Leber in the 19th century.

Amaurosis fugax (Greek: fugax meaning fugitive) is a temporary loss of vision in one eye caused by decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the retina. Another cause is the presence of emboli located in the ipsilateral(same side) internal carotid artery. It is a type of transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Those experiencing Amaurosis usually experience complete symptom abeyance within a few minutes. In a small minority of those who experience Amaurosis, stroke or vision loss has resulted. Diabetes, hypertension and smoking are factors known to increase the risks of suffering this condition.

Management

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Those experiencing amaurosis are usually advised to consult a physician immediately as any form of vision loss, even if temporary, is a symptom that may indicate the presence of a serious ocular or systemic problem.

Ophthalmology | Neurology