What condition is characterized by transient monocular vision loss due to occlusion of the ophthalmic artery?

Amaurosis fugax is the condition characterized by transient monocular vision loss due to a temporary occlusion of the ophthalmic artery or its branches. This transient loss of vision typically lasts from seconds to a few minutes and is often described as a "shade" or "curtain" coming down over the eye. It can be associated with embolic phenomena, where small particles travel through the bloodstream and temporarily block the blood supply to the retina.

In contrast, migraine attacks may lead to visual disturbances but don't typically cause lasting monocular vision loss as seen with amaurosis fugax. Retinal detachment generally presents with more persistent visual loss and does not typically resolve quickly. Optic neuritis, often associated with multiple sclerosis, involves inflammation of the optic nerve and typically presents with more prolonged visual loss, along with pain that is exacerbated by eye movement. The specific feature of transient vision loss makes amaurosis fugax the correct answer in this context.