Amaurosis Fugax is a strange sounding name for a temporary loss of vision in one eye. The vision loss is sudden and usually recovers over a period of minutes. It is painless and not associated with any other symptoms.
Causes of Temporary Blindness in One Eye
Temporary blindness occurs because the blood supply to the eye is reduced or temporarily blocked. It is a transient ischemic attack of the eye, or TIA.
Common risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Temporary Blindness Linked to Silent Strokes
Recent studies have shown that 25% of people who experience Amaurosis Fugax have also had a silent stroke.
Even more alarming is that about 15% of people who experience a TIA will go on to have a stroke affecting the brain within the next three months, having the potential to cause paralysis or death. Fortunately with treatment, many of these strokes can be avoided.
Sudden Blindness is an Emergency!
The most important thing to remember is that sudden blindness is always an eye emergency! Therefore, make an appointment with your eye doctor if you ever experience Amaurosis Fugax.
Additionally, if you’re located in Central New Jersey, contact us for support with any number of eye conditions — we’re here to help.
I’ve been having a hard time seeing out of one of my eyes, and I’m not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that there are a few things that could be causing this! I should definitely talk to a professional to see if they can help me out with it.
I agree that having one eye go blind for a while would be an emergency. I could see how that would be a sign of a much bigger issue, as well as give you problems with your vision. I should make sure I see an eye doctor right away if I ever have a problem seeing out of one of my eyes.
My right eye went dark for about 5-10 minutes a few days ago early in the morning and then was completely restored. No pain and no headache but it was obviously very concerning.
I experienced this very thing today. At work just prior to leaving, I had a gradual loss of vision in one eye. It was the scariest feeling, knowing that I am truly not able to see and wondering what was coming next. In about 5 minutes my sight started to return. I went to the ER where I was cleared to go home after several tests and I am going to follow up with a neurologist. I was told to take 81 milligrams of aspirin until I meet with the doc.
Any updates?
Any updates .. I had this happen to
Me the other day
I had this happen to me too. I had sudden vision loss in my left eye with bright lights first then it went black except for the top half of my line of sight. It only lasted a few seconds but it was very scary. I had a complete eye exam the next day and they said my eyes are fine. I have to go for a carotid artery test on Monday.
I’m really scared 😨
Anyone else experienced this issue and what was your resolution.
It happened to me 5 years ago. Do not panic. I was told its unknown why happens. But I did some research on my own and I found out they could be silent stroke mini stroke.comes back in less than 5 minutes there’s nothing to worry about. Otherwise it’s dangerous. Also stop drinking anything including coffee that constrict the blood supply to the eye
Happened to me also. I lost sight in my left eye. I could see out of the upper half. Cleared up within 15 minutes. Had an MRI done and it showed nothing. But… I had Covid three weeks before, for some reason I keep thinking this was a side effect.
This started happening to me after I had COVID too. I slowly start to lose vision in my left eye, then it’s full on blindness, then it slowly returns. Lasts about 3 min. I got retina and optic nerve scans, Carotid ultrasound and a CT angio of my head and neck, all came back clean. No one can figure it out! 🙁
I have had the same, but it started before I had COVID. It has happened numerous times over the past few years. Many ER visits, carotid scans, CT’s, eye exams, brain angiogram. Everything was clear. The last doctor told me that it could be a blood vessel that gets kinked when I turn my head to the left. They really have no idea what is causing it, but after all tests, I am told that stroke risk is low (no high blood pressure). I would love to have an answer.
This description is exactly what is occurring with me. Been going on for 5 years, not Covid related. All the same tests. Primary care physician wants me to see a neurologist now but I a cannot keep paying for testing with no insurance! Can anyone please share treatments that may have worked? Thank you all for sharing!
My grandmother had a stroke with low blood pressure. I have to walk the line because my brother is given blood thinner and he was having a bleeding stroke. He didn’t make it. My father was given IV same thing happen. My grandmother survived her sold out any problems, but she later died of liver failure about 20 years later.
The exact same thing has happened to me as you have described. It is getting more frequent now though. They diagnosed migraines but I don’t think it’s that. It never happens with a headache. It happened today at Pilates when I got in a funny position. It’s so weird and I want it sorting
This exact thing happened to me Thursday. I got a CT Friday and all came back clear today. What was the conclusion of your episode?
I had this. One 2 minute in February. Another 2 minute in April. Another in December 5 minutes. Sent for TIA/Stroke Hospital testing of all types. All clear.
I have an eye stigma. One shape of football, the other the shape of a rugby ball. Happens 11.45pm at night in the dark bedroom. Told this can sometimes happen with a stigma!
I was driving during the day time. I have blue eyes. So therefore light sensitivity is very much a thing. But I was driving and then next thing I know it’s like a curtain was lowering over my left eye it wasn’t completely darkness though. It was like having my eye open but holding a paper towel over it light was still visible but nothing else. Basically a bright blur. Then within 3 minutes my sight was completely back to normal anyone else had this problem?
You described exactly how I experience it except it usually happens to me at night. Or possibly I only notice it then? It’s very dramatic because I can be facing a window with outside lighting and my right eye (with the left eye closed) sees the lit up window just fine but my left eye (with the right eye closed) doesn’t see the window at all. If both eyes are open, it’s exactly the way you described it, the window isn’t completely gone but it’s it isn’t bright like it should be. It’s like I’m looking through a veil. It scares me because I know what I should be seeing!!
I’m 65 years old and this started happening in my teens. There’s no obvious rhyme or reason for when it occurs and it can be several years between episodes or it can happen several nights in a row for a while. No one has ever given me an answer yet – actually no one seems to know what I’m talking about, eye doctors including. When I do talk about it to a doctor their face doesn’t register that they have any idea what I’m talking about and that I may as well be describing my purple striped green cat. After looking at me blankly for a moment they just move on as though I hadn’t said a word!
Did anyone else notice that in each case mentioned it was the LEFT eye?
The same just happened to me – also with my left eye. I was watching TV at night and suddenly it was blurry. When I closed my right eye half the TV screen disappeared entirely (total blackness). My eye doctor did 2 field tests and immediately sent me to the ER for scans which thankfully were all negative. Follow up next week- scary stuff!
Same thing happened ed to me, left eye only. Entire bottom half was totally dark gray like a big cloud. Broke up and cleared after a couple minutes. Eight weeks later it happened again but it affected the upper right quarter of my left eye. I’ve had dual doplar scan on my carotid arteries, cardio echo, MRI of brain and eyes, CT scan of brain and neck, blood work twice, complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist twice, and just came back from seeing a vascular surgeon. Conclusion, may have been a small blood clot from my heart. Just guessing because there are no signs of anything. Amaurosis-fugax is my diagmosis.
Yes left eye and same attitude with Doctors.
Happened to me last night driving but it was my right eye. Top half could see some light but lower half was black. Lasted about 3 minutes then fine, I had never heard of this before, I’m glad I found this site.
Any update or improvement? TIA. Taffywellsrice@gmail.com
Just happened to me. Lasted 5 minutes in my right eye. i’m fine now.
I just had this happen to me last night about 3 or 4 in the morning after suddenly waking up. It scared me but it only lasted for about 30 seconds. I’m going to see my doctor tomorrow and will take aspirin tonight.
Hello Darrick,
I know your post is a couple of years but this is exactly what has happened to me and I was wondering if you received any results??
Thanks
Jim C
No I did not. I went to my primary care doctor and he immediately sent me to emergency. They did several test for stroke and they all came back clear. After I did all their test, they wanted me to stay for observation but I left. However, last night at about 3 am it happened again. This time the duration was about 30-45 seconds.
Hey did you ever figure it out? This keeps happening to me at night I wake up completely blind in one eye for 30secs to a few minutes. Then it’s fine but sore the next day.
I’ve had this happen to me four times now since July, post Covid and left eye. One time it was both. It was raining all four times.
I had same vision loss in left eye that lasted several minutes. This also happened 20 days post co-vid booster shot. In 2021 I lost most of my hearing in left ear for several months. This occurred 3 weeks after co-vid shot. Doctor said vision loss was a TIS.
I have also had temporary blindness in my right eye. It always happens in an airplane. the first few times my eye went blurry. i thought that my eye was tired from looking at the computer for too many hours. then on one flight my right eye went totally blind. It fist started as a blurriness that started at the bottom of my eye and then went up to total blindness. I think 5-10 minutes and then the vision returned. i went to many Doctors and had many test including brain mri, full testing for cholesterol blockage, eye tests and nothing at all was wrong according to the tests. I started taking a few blood thinners and the problem went away for 5 years. Just recently on a flight a week after i had covid it happened again. Now more test still every test comes back OK. However I now have more light sensitivity and my right eyelid and eyebrow move up on their own when my eye feels “off”
My left eye will go completely blind for a few seconds to a few minutes. The blackness will slowly fade away until it’s back to normal. I have had photophobia since I was 18. I now also have night blindness. Super scary driving at night. I also have reoccurring double vision.
Seventy minutes ago I lost all vision in my left eye, which lasted 5 minutes. A few years ago it happened, but only one half, and my opthamologist insisted I go directly to the Emergency Room. I’m now in the Emergency Room after triage, but before being seen by a doctor. I’ll send a follow up after analysis.
My son 6 years old has temporary right eye vision blackout , last from few seconds to a minute
I have visited 3 ophthalmologist in last 6 to 8 months, he got + power and wearing glasses since April, all 3 doctors did various eye exams and said no problem with eye, they say just has + power other than that they say no issues with eye
Have visited neurologist, did MRI and EEG, both MRI and EEG results were normal
Going to visit paediatrician next week for suggestions
Vijay, any update after you met pead. My 6 year old had it in right eye lasted for 30 mins
I Am 76 with ALS for 20 yr’s (since 2002) ….. I know a “Miracle” to still be living!
I Just lost 90% of right eye vision, for 30 mins! Thank you Lord, for restoring my sight after prayer!!
It was like fuzzy colors, appearing thru a shattered Car Window, with the many small pieces of glass intact in the window! Scary, to be sitting on my back deck enjoying the woods, the sky, and sunset, when suddenly out-of-nowhere this happens !
It’s bad to have difficulty walking, and not being able for people to understand my speech. But LOOSING just half your eye sight for 30 minutes, makes me realize how truly BLESSED I am to have eye sight, hearing, and to live pain free! Thank you Jesus!
I had just woken up in abdark room with my eyes closed. A sudden intense flash of white light lite up my right eye and when i opened both eyes my right eye seemed to be night blind for a minute. Any ideas as to the cause??
After watching tv and some purple lights I lost the upper half of my vision in my right eye for a minute or two.
I have a Chalazion at the moment not sure if it is connected
I too suffer from this partial vision loss. I’m 66 and it has been going on for years. Suddenly I’ll notice vision blacked out in the upper half of my left eye, but it always goes away in less than 5 minutes or so. I just try to relax, stay calm, close both eyes and wait.
It happens sporadically. Sometimes multiple in one day all the way to only every month or two. It is strange though that it just happened for the first time in my right eye. A few years ago I went thru all the testing, multiple MRI’s, etc., etc., but even after over $5,000 of out of pocket cost’s, nothing was found by several top experts. They admitted freely that the medical community has no clue that causes the issue. It shows just how far medicine has to go but will never get there since neither the medical community nor the drug companies have any interest. It’s all about the money so don’t hold your breath. Unfortunately it seems this issue will remain stagnant for decades to come. The really sad part of this is that the doctors are quick to launch you into a million tests without regard to costs even though they all know there is nothing to be done.
I am 59 and in what I had assumed to be perfect health other than arthritis acting up every now and then. I woke up and went into my dimly lit bathroom and was confused as to why it was so dark on the right side because that was where the light source was coming from. I blinked a few times and closed my left eye and the room appeared completely black through my right eye. I opened my left eye and saw perfectly well. After a few seconds it was like an either came up or down and my vision returned. I went ahead and took an aspirin and I will call my doctor in a couple hours. I have just come off of a 7 day water a couple days ago. I know the body is supposed to burn up old damaged blood cells during atrophy so it makes me wonder if it is related. 🤔
It unfortunately seems like no one gets any conclusive answers. I too have been experiencing temporary blindness in my right eye. It’s always when I get up from a sitting position or if I’m walking with a purpose with a faster gate. (Mind you it’s not excessive or aggressive movement) I’m not doing any kind of metal music head banging or anything. My right eye will slowly darken to complete black and then in seconds my vision returns. It also is slightly closed more than my left eye and stays red. Even when I’m not experiencing a “temp blindness episode” it almost feels like there is a film covering my eye that is causing the vision to be very blurry. I’ve always had to wear glasses from a young age but this is excessively worse. I called an eye doctor yesterday and they told me to call my primary physician. My primary told me to go to the emergency room immediately and get and MRI and CT scan. I’m petrified at what could be the cause. I was hoping atleast one person had answers from either of those scans. They are very expensive even with insurance. I know my health comes first and I’m definitely going to go. I just wanted to try to see what everyone else experienced first and it seems no one had luck with either scan. I suppose it would be luck to get a negative scan back but you can catch my drift I’m sure. Healthcare in general is so expensive and I don’t think they realize some of us normal folks can’t just whip out thousands of dollars to get a test with no answers back. Okay, this completes my rant for now. I hope everyone in this thread is happy and healthy. Any insight outside of no answers or any diagnosis would be helpful. Take care.
This also happens to me à week ago I was watching mobile and suddenly I can not see the screen from my right eye and I feel like black button in my right eye..After 2 minutes my eye sight was normal but I feel a shadow in my right eyes..I chk my eye everything is normal..there is no problem in my eyes..and tomorrow I am going for more test I don’t know what is the reason and this is very scary for me
Im 43F of normal bmi and have had complete temp vision loss and blurriness in my right eye on 3 occasions each lasting 30 sec-2 minutes. Eye exam clear for retinal issues or glaucoma. Had a CT scan that showed nothing. Mine is accompanied by a low level throbbing headache, jaw tension, eye pressure, ear plugging; but no stroke symptoms. Seems to be positional, I have cervical dysplasia from whiplash and I think something in the neck, either an artery or nerve is being pinched off. Does anyone else have issues with connective tissue, dislocations or laxity?
I had (have) headache of varying degrees for a few days. 2 nites ago, woke up at 4 am to go to the bathroom and the vision in my right eye was split in half. Upper field good, lower half of the visual field black. This lasted about 10 minutes total. I’m on double-dose blood thinner for previous pulmonary emboli. Awaiting CT scan results.