Answer :
Final answer:
Amaurosis Fugax is a transient loss of vision due to decreased blood flow to the retina, not to be confused with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes permanent vision loss due to retinal cell death. This condition is typically caused by underlying cardiovascular issues leading to transient blockages in the arteries supplying the eye.
Explanation:
Amaurosis Fugax, meaning 'darkening fugitive' in Greek, refers to a temporary loss of vision typically in one eye caused by reduced blood flow, or ischemia, to the retina. This condition can be a result of various underlying diseases, including cardiovascular disorders that may lead to emboli obstructing the retinal artery or ophthalmic artery. It can also be a symptom of other eye conditions, but it is not directly caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which involves the gradual death of cells in the macula leading to loss of central vision.
AMD is the most common cause of blindness in the Western hemisphere, with millions affected globally. The death of the retinal pigment epithelium cells compromises the support and nourishment of the macula, leading to a black spot in the patient's central vision that can grow over time. However, Amaurosis Fugax is a separate transient condition and is not synonymous with the progressive blindness seen in AMD.
Overall, Amaurosis Fugax is distinct from other eye conditions like Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by a parasitic infection, or idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia, which involves dilated blood vessels in the retina. While conditions like cataracts or myopia impact vision differently, Amaurosis Fugax is specifically characterized by temporary vision loss.
