Diagnosis and management of transient monocular visual loss is an emergency. Ocular conditions causing transient visual loss are routinely managed by ophthalmologists. Vascular transient monocular visual loss may result from emboli, hypoperfusion, vasospasm, or venous congestion. Evaluation focuses on the carotid arteries, ophthalmic arteries, the aortic arch, the heart, and rarely hypercoagulable states. Secondary prevention of ischemic events is essential in order to prevent permanent visual loss as well as cerebral ischemic and cardiovascular death. Aggressive treatment of vascular risk factors is usually associated with antiplatelet agents. Anticoagulant and carotid surgery are only rarely required after vascular transient monocular visual loss.
Diagnosis and management of transient monocular visual loss is an emergency. Ocular conditions causing transient visual loss are routinely managed by ophthalmologists. Vascular transient monocular visual loss may result from emboli, hypoperfusion, vasospasm or venous congestion. Evaluation focuses on the carotid arteries, opththalmic arteries, the aortic arch, the heart, and rarely hypercoagulable states. Secondary prevention of ischemic events is essential in order to prevent permanent visual loss, cerebral ischemic and cardiovascular death. Aggressive treatment of vascular risk factors is usually associated with antiplatelet agents. Anticoagulant and carotid surgery are only rarely required after vascular transient monocular visual loss.