Light-induced amaurosis fugax

PURPOSE: To describe an important symptom of bilateral amaurosis precipitat ed by exposure to bright light. METHODS: Case report. Clinical analysis of transient, painless, asymmetrica l visual loss occurring in bright Light in a 54-year-old man. RESULTS: Carotid ultrasound showed bilateral carotid disease. Carotid angio graphy demonstrated occlusion of the left internal carotid artery and sever e stenosis of the right internal carotid artery and both external carotid a rteries. Visual symptoms and an abnormal photostress test completely remitt ed after a right carotid endarterectomy, CONCLUSION: Light-induced amaurosis is an unfamiliar manifestation of ocula r ischemic syndrome occurring with severe, often bilateral, carotid artery disease. Its recognition is important because the complaint is associated w ith severe carotid occlusive disease and recognition is necessary for timel y surgical intervention because of the major risk for stroke. (C) 2001 by E lsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.