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Posterior Ciliary Arteries

arteriae ciliares posteriores

The posterior ciliary arteries are branches of the ophthalmic artery that pierce the sclera around the optic nerve to supply the choroid, the ciliary body, and the iris. There are typically two long posterior ciliary arteries (nasal and temporal) and 6-20 short posterior ciliary arteries. The short posterior ciliary arteries supply the posterior choroid and the optic nerve head through the circle of Zinn-Haller.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Ischaemia of the posterior ciliary artery territory produces anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION), presenting as sudden painless visual loss with an altitudinal visual field defect and a swollen optic disc. Non-arteritic AION is the most common form in middle-aged hypertensive or diabetic patients. Arteritic AION from giant cell (temporal) arteritis is a medical emergency requiring immediate high-dose corticosteroids to prevent fellow eye involvement. The posterior ciliary arteries are compromised in orbital compartment syndrome from retrobulbar haematoma.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy

Posterior ciliary artery insufficiency at the optic nerve head produces AION with sudden visual loss and an altitudinal field defect; arteritic AION from giant cell arteritis requires emergency IV methylprednisolone to save the fellow eye, with temporal artery biopsy confirming the diagnosis.