What are the treatments for amaurosis fugax?

Treatment for amaurosis fugax involves identifying and treating the underlying medical condition.
If the condition is related to high cholesterol levels and/or blood clots, this indicates a person is at
high risk for a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood clot lodges in a blood vessel in the brain,
stopping blood flow to the brain. As a result, some of the most immediate treatments are related to
reducing the likelihood for stroke. Examples include:

taking blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin)

undergoing a surgical procedure known as a carotid endarterectomy, where a doctor will “clean
out” the plaque potentially blocking the carotid arteries
taking medications to lower blood pressure
In addition to these medical treatments, a doctor will recommend at-home treatments. Examples
include:

refraining from eating high-fat foods, such as fried, processed, or fast foods
stopping smoking
exercising at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week
managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Healthy habits and taking steps to maintain an ideal weight can help a person reduce their risk for
amaurosis fugax.

How is amaurosis fugax diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of amaurosis fugax, don’t ignore them. Call your doctor. They
will ask you about your symptoms and take a medical history. Your doctor will then perform a
physical exam, including an eye exam. Your doctor may also order testing, which can include:

imaging scans to identify blockages or damage to the blood vessels in your eyes
blood testing to determine your cholesterol levels as well as likelihood of blood clotting
an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to identify irregularities in your heartbeat that could lead to
amaurosis fugax
A doctor will consider your symptoms, age, and overall health when making a diagnosis related to
amaurosis fugax and temporary vision loss.

What are the complications of amaurosis fugax?

Although amaurosis fugax is a fleeting condition that causes symptoms lasting anywhere from a
few minutes to an hour, it is often a concerning indicator of an underlying medical condition. This
includes an increased risk for stroke, which can be deadly. If a person ignores these signs, they are at
risk for more severe complications.