Amaurosis

Amaurosis (from Greek, meaning "darkening" or "obscuring") is a condition characterized by partial or total blindness, particularly when occurring without any apparent lesion or detectable damage to the eye itself. It often stems from neurological issues affecting the optic nerve or the visual pathways in the brain. Unlike many eye conditions, Amaurosis might present without obvious physical changes to the eye's structures. The blindness can be temporary, transient, or permanent, depending on the underlying cause, which might range from a stroke or tumor to inflammation or toxicity. Diagnosis typically involves detailed neurological and ophthalmological examinations, including visual field testing and imaging.

Amaurosis meaning with examples

• The patient presented to the clinic with a sudden onset of Amaurosis fugax, a temporary loss of vision in one eye, indicating a possible blockage in the blood supply to the retina. After a battery of tests, the ophthalmologist determined the cause might have been an embolus.
• After experiencing a severe migraine with aura, she woke up with a brief episode of Amaurosis, followed by complete recovery. She was then referred for detailed neurological investigations to rule out serious underlying conditions that cause this symptom.
• The diagnosis of Amaurosis led to further investigation, revealing a tumor compressing the optic nerve. Early detection prompted the use of targeted treatment to reduce the vision loss.
• In some rare cases, Amaurosis can be caused by heavy metal poisoning. Exposure to toxins can seriously affect the optic nerve and visual pathways, leading to complete blindness and lasting damage.
• The neurologist observed that a stroke affecting the visual cortex of the brain led to the presentation of Amaurosis, which made the patient's ability to see drastically altered.