The following case history is presented because of the unusual signs and symptomatology, which have not been previously reported.
A 23-year-old Caucasian man had intermittent attacks of blindness in the left eye ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes and occasional attacks which have lasted 10 hours. Just preceding and during these attacks examination revealed dilation of the veins 2 or 3 times their normal diameter. The blindness and venous dilation occurred together. In between episodes the vision returned to normal.
The patient first noted a loss of vision in July, 1956, while on a tour of duty in Germany. At first the incidents were of short duration and occurred infrequently; they lasted approximately 30 to 60 seconds and occurred 2 or 3 times a day. Gradually the frequency and the duration of the attacks increased, and because of this, the patient sought medical advice approximately 1 year after the