Amaurosis Fugax

I keep going back and forth on this...  I very badly want to blow this off as nothing, but people I have mentioned it to keep telling me not to let this go.  I had a very brief partial loss of vision in my left eye which came down as a gray shade.  Lasted for just a few seconds and disappeared.  It was so quick that my reaction was just one of surprise and curiosity.  My PCP (Physician's Assistant) said it was probably nothing, if it happens again, maybe see an opthalmologist.  My cardiologist, similarly deemed it probably nothing.  Two opinions, both say its probably nothing, Dr. Hagen recommended seeing an opthalmologist, it could be nothing or something.  I've set something up with an opthalmologist, for the middle of March.  I'm still worried, since what I've read indicates that this could be stroke related.  How worried, if at all should I be?

[VioletViola]

I think you definitely need to see an opthalmologist (they want to see if your optic nerve is getting sufficient blood and whether or not you have cholesterol crystals on your retina).  I'd also insist on an echocardiogram and a carotid duplex as well as blood tests to show your glucose and cholesterol levels.  Who knows?  You might find out you're healthier than you thought you were.  It could be a happy surprise.  I wouldn't worry until there's something to worry about, and there may be nothing to worry about, but I definitely would be checked out.  Your life is too precious to take a chance.

[SilverLining00]

Thanks VioletViola.  It is very puzzling.  I have set something up with the opthalmologist for mid-March.  It is probably nothing (I hope), maybe just a spasm.  It confuses me that the literature recommends this is something that should be looked into without delay, yet my medical people seem to have blown it off.  I'd like to, but it keeps nagging at me.  Maybe this is related or not, but my balance has really been off a lot lately, too.  Thanks for your input.

[VioletViola]

It could be just a spasm, though those usually hurt, or an ocular migraine, which would be painless.  It's best to have the tests, though, if for no other reason than for your own peace of mind.  And if you do have arterial plaque, you can no doubt get it cleared before something major occurs.  Luckily, the incidence of stroke after an episode like that isn't high, even if untreated.

It is puzzling, I know.  I had a puzzling episode with my vision, too, but it was a little different.  My echocardiogram and carotid duplex came back fine, but I'm still taking a baby aspirin daily as a precaution.

Try not to worry, but get checked, just to be sure.

I hope all goes very well for you and everything's fine.  Good luck to you.

[SilverLining00]

Thanks.  

I went to a Life Line Screening event yesterday.  Hopefully, that will give me some peace of mind.  I've been taking garlic tablets, since aspirin interacts with the medication I'm on causing me to bruise easily.

Good Luck to you as well.