Experiencing Amaurosis Fulgax While Reclining
I’m a 22-year-old man currently prescribed Tacrolimus and STER MD eye drops for some allergy issues I’m facing. In addition to these, I use gel ointments, standard eye drops, and Omega-3 supplements to alleviate dryness in my eyes. I also have been diagnosed with lattice degeneration in both eyes and underwent laser photocoagulation last year. On April 2nd, around 10 PM, I experienced an episode of Amaurosis Fulgax affecting my right eye. I was lying in bed on my right side, as I usually do, when it occurred for just a few seconds. After getting up, the sensation subsided. However, when I lay down again, the phenomenon recurred, but vanished once more. By the time I laid down for the third time, it did not happen again. I sought medical attention at the emergency room, where they found no signs of retinal detachment or lesions. Unfortunately, the attending physician could not determine the exact cause of the episode. I do have a history of experiencing pain behind my eyes and around my temples, with the discomfort being notably stronger on the right side of my head. My primary care physician attributes these headaches to neurological factors rather than eye issues. How I perceive my vision remains unaffected during these pain episodes, as everything appears normal. As I write this, I am noting a mild pressure and warmth around my right eye, although it's not painful. I wonder if my position while lying in bed could have impeded blood flow to my retina, or if it might be related to the medications I’ve recently started. I began the Tacrolimus treatment on March 31, and started STER MD on April 2. Tacrolimus tends to cause irritation and a warming sensation in my eyes, but my doctor mentioned that this is expected and it eased once I incorporated STER into my routine. I am posting this inquiry here since currently, I only have emergency room access, and my primary care physicians do not have availability for consultations in the upcoming months.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 3:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing Amaurosis Fugax, especially when combined with your existing eye conditions and treatments, can be concerning. Although the emergency room found no significant retinal issues, it's important to keep monitoring your symptoms and understanding their potential causes.
Explanation: Amaurosis Fugax is a temporary loss of vision that can occur due to a variety of reasons, including changes in blood flow to the retina. Given your medication history and existing conditions like lattice degeneration, it's possible that your episode may relate to positional changes or side effects of medications. However, the fact that it resolved quickly is reassuring, particularly since you did not experience any lasting changes in your vision.
Your sensations of pressure and warmth around your right eye could also be linked to your existing treatments or changes in blood circulation from lying in a particular position. Headaches and discomfort in that area can sometimes stem from neurological issues, as suggested by your primary care doctor.
Next Steps:
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Keep a symptom diary: Note how often the Amaurosis Fugax episodes occur, their duration, any associated activities (like lying down), and any changes in medication or lifestyle. This will provide valuable insights for your healthcare team.
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Eye position: Try to be mindful of how you position yourself while lying down. If possible, adjust to sleeping on your back or experiment with different positions to see if that influences your symptoms.
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Monitor medication effects: Since Tacrolimus can cause irritation, keep track of any changes in symptoms as you continue its use alongside STER MD drops. If eye sensations worsen or new symptoms arise, it’s important to re-evaluate.
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Manage headaches: Continue to monitor the frequency and intensity of your headaches. While your doctor has given a neurological explanation, any significant changes should be noted and discussed with your physician when available.
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Follow up if necessary: If you experience another episode of Amaurosis Fugax, especially if it lasts longer or is accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes, significant headaches, or new neurological symptoms, treat that as a priority for care.
It's commendable that you're being proactive about your health. Keep observing your symptoms, and when you're able to access care, sharing your diary and experiences can greatly assist in their evaluation of your condition.
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