Transient Loss of Vision in the Right Eye

Abstract

A 60-year-old male presents with an episode of vision loss in his right eye. The event occurred a week ago, while he was watching television, and resolved spontaneously after about 20 minutes. He described it as a curtain or shade that descended over his eye from top to bottom. He denied having any pain in the eye. He also denied any headaches, tiredness in his jaw while chewing, or any generalized fatigue. He denied any episodes of weakness or numbness on one side of his body or changes in his speech. He has a 30-pack-year history of smoking. He also has a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. He denied a history of coronary artery disease or diabetes. He takes a beta-blocker and a statin. Physical examination reveals a systolic blood pressure of 140/70 mmHg. He has normal carotid pulses with a right carotid bruit. Neurologic examination is normal.