Orthostatic hypotension and transient loss of vision in only one eye

Q: Orthostatic hypotension may cause transient loss of vision (TLV) in only one eye?

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

Hypotension from any reason i.e., cardiac vs low volume may cause TLV popularly known as amaurosis fugax. This loss in vision can be limited to one eye (monocular) if some underlying pathology exists simultaneously like carotid occlusive disease, retinopathy, optic neuropathy, or glaucoma.

#hemodynamic

References:

1. Lord RS. Transient monocular blindness. Aust N Z J Ophthalmol 1990; 18:299.

2. Current management of amaurosis fugax. The Amaurosis Fugax Study Group. Stroke 1990; 21:201.

3. Mimura T, Funatsu H, Kitano S, et al. Diabetic retinopathy with repeated amaurosis fugax caused by orthostatic hypotension. Am J Ophthalmol 2003; 136:930.