Ophthalmic complications of giant cell arteritis

Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is a common cause of blindness among older age groups. Classical and occult forms are described with particular reference to ocular symptomatology. Although the disease is self-limiting and usually subsides spontaneously within a year, prompt diagnosis and treatment are required if second eye involvement and blindness are to be prevented. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is of major significance to diagnosis, but biopsy is necessary to prove or disprove the existence of temporal arteritis. Pathology, etiology, association with other disorders and laboratory studies are discussed. A regime of corticosteroid therapy is recommended and described in detail.