Anatomy
Course
A terminal branch of the ophthalmic artery (which is a branch of the internal carotid) – branches off where the ophthalmic artery travels posterior to the trochlea, exits the orbit medially, and ascends the forehead.
Supply
Along with the ophthalmic artery, it supplies the structures of the orbit of the eye, including the eyeball, as well as the muscles of the forehead.
Clinical
Occlusion or damage to the ophthalmic artery results in ocular ischaemic syndrome. This is as a result of hypoperfusion of the eye and can be a sign of an impending stroke. Symptoms include loss of vision and a severe pain, that may radiate to the eyebrow. The loss of vision can be moderate, resulting in blurring etc. or severe, resulting in total loss of vision in the affected eye.
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