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Ophthalmic Artery

arteria ophthalmica

The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery, given off as the ICA emerges from the cavernous sinus. It enters the orbit through the optic canal inferior to the optic nerve, then crosses superiorly to run medially. It supplies the eye, optic nerve, extraocular muscles, lacrimal gland, eyelids, forehead, and nose through its many branches including the central retinal artery, posterior ciliary arteries, lacrimal artery, and anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The ophthalmic artery is the first major branch of the ICA and is a collateral pathway between the internal and external carotid systems via its anastomosis with the angular artery (terminal branch of the facial artery). Reversal of ophthalmic artery flow, detectable by ultrasound, indicates severe ipsilateral ICA stenosis with haemodynamic compromise. The central retinal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic, terminates in the retina and is the site of central retinal artery occlusion, an ophthalmological emergency producing sudden painless monocular blindness.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Embolic or thrombotic occlusion of the central retinal artery branch of the ophthalmic artery produces sudden painless monocular visual loss with a pale retina and cherry-red spot at the fovea, a stroke equivalent requiring emergency ophthalmological and vascular assessment within hours.

Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm

Aneurysm at the ophthalmic artery origin from the ICA can produce ipsilateral visual disturbance or monocular blindness from compressive optic neuropathy, distinguishable from PComA aneurysm by the absence of third nerve palsy.