Abstract

AbstractGiant cell arteritis is an inflammatory disease with multiple systemic manifestations including visual loss. Visual symptoms occur when the vascular supply to the eye is compromised causing either an ischemic papillitis or a central retinal artery occlusion. Two cases are presented to demonstrate the various ocular complications of giant cell arteritis. A high index of suspicion for the disease is needed for prompt diagnosis so proper therapy can be instituted. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate should cause suspicion, and a positive temporal artery biopsy is confirmatory of the diagnosis.