What is "ophthalmic artery"

n. a branch of the internal carotid artery that supplies the eye and neighboring structures [syn: arteria ophthalmica]

The ophthalmic artery (OA) is the first branch of the internal carotid artery distal to the cavernous sinus. Branches of the OA supply all the structures in the orbit as well as some structures in the nose, face and meninges. Occlusion of the OA or its branches can produce sight-threatening conditions.