Vessel
Ophthalmic artery
Orbital circulation linked to both carotid systems
High-yield
The central retinal artery supplies inner retinal tissue; the choroidal circulation contributes to outer retinal nutrition. Dorsal nasal and other facial connections link ophthalmic and external-carotid territories.
Overview
Usually arising from the supraclinoid ICA, the ophthalmic artery enters the optic canal beside the optic nerve and distributes branches throughout the orbit. Retinal and ciliary pathways serve different ocular layers. Branches also reach the forehead and nose, where connections with external-carotid vessels provide routes for collateral flow.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually ICA near the anterior clinoid and just beyond the cavernous region; alternative origins are recognized.
- Course
- Enters the optic canal inferolateral to the nerve. Dissection demonstrates an interdural course for much of the canal. In the orbit it usually crosses above the nerve toward the medial wall, but inferior crossing occurs.
- Branches
- Central retinal, posterior ciliary, lacrimal, muscular, supraorbital, ethmoidal, palpebral and terminal supratrochlear/dorsal nasal branches. Anterior ciliary vessels usually arise through muscular branches.
- Supplies
- Eye, optic-nerve portions, extraocular muscles, lacrimal gland and eyelids, with contributions to nasal/sinus regions, forehead and cranial dura.
Clinical correlation
Carotid emboli or reduced perfusion can interrupt retinal blood flow and cause transient or lasting monocular visual loss. A curtain-like description is possible, but its absence does not exclude retinal ischemia, and transient visual loss has other causes.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the ophthalmic artery originate?
Usually ICA near the anterior clinoid and just beyond the cavernous region; alternative origins are recognized.
What does the ophthalmic artery supply?
Eye, optic-nerve portions, extraocular muscles, lacrimal gland and eyelids, with contributions to nasal/sinus regions, forehead and cranial dura.
What are the branches of the ophthalmic artery?
Central retinal, posterior ciliary, lacrimal, muscular, supraorbital, ethmoidal, palpebral and terminal supratrochlear/dorsal nasal branches. Anterior ciliary vessels usually arise through muscular branches.
What is the course of the ophthalmic artery?
Enters the optic canal inferolateral to the nerve. Dissection demonstrates an interdural course for much of the canal. In the orbit it usually crosses above the nerve toward the medial wall, but inferior crossing occurs.