What is the common complication of temporal arteritis linked to the ophthalmic artery?

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the temporal arteries and can lead to a variety of complications, particularly those affecting the eyes. Among these complications, blindness is the most significant and urgent concern associated with involvement of the ophthalmic artery.

The underlying mechanism is that temporal arteritis can cause ischemia or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and surrounding structures due to the inflammation and narrowing of the arteries. If the ophthalmic artery, which supplies blood to the eye and optic nerve, is affected, it can lead to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This results in sudden, painless loss of vision, highlighting why blindness is a notable complication of temporal arteritis.

In contrast, while diplopia, retinal detachment, and increased ocular pressure can occur due to various ocular pathologies, they are not the primary complications related to the ischemic effects of temporal arteritis. The potential for irreversible vision loss emphasizes the urgency of diagnosing and treating temporal arteritis promptly, particularly with corticosteroids, to preserve vision and prevent such devastating complications.