Sleep-induced amaurosis fugax

Abstract

Amaurosis fugax is a manifestation of retinal ischemia, commonly described in the setting of carotid atherosclerotic disease. Thromboembolic, and less frequently, hemodynamic mechanisms have been described as responsible for producing negative symptoms of transient monocular vision loss during periods of wakefulness. We report an unusual presentation in which the patient became symptomatic during sleep. Initially, photopsias-positive symptoms were experienced, which caused the patient to awaken; this was immediately followed by transient monocular vision loss. Carotid endarterectomy was curative.