Ophthalmic veins

Diagram of the ophthalmic veins and their connections.

The ophthalmic veins are a group of veins that drain the orbit and surrounding structures. They are primarily responsible for the venous drainage of the eye and its associated structures, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, and parts of the nasal cavity. The ophthalmic veins are divided into two main veins: the superior ophthalmic vein and the inferior ophthalmic vein.

Superior Ophthalmic Vein

The superior ophthalmic vein is the larger of the two ophthalmic veins. It begins at the inner angle of the orbit by the union of the supratrochlear vein and the supraorbital vein. It courses posteriorly through the orbit, receiving tributaries from the eyeball, extraocular muscles, and the lacrimal gland.

The superior ophthalmic vein exits the orbit through the superior orbital fissure and drains into the cavernous sinus, a large venous sinus located on either side of the sella turcica in the sphenoid bone.

Inferior Ophthalmic Vein

The inferior ophthalmic vein is smaller and more variable in its course compared to the superior ophthalmic vein. It begins in a venous network on the floor of the orbit and receives tributaries from the lower part of the orbit, including the inferior rectus muscle and the inferior oblique muscle.

The inferior ophthalmic vein may drain into the superior ophthalmic vein, the pterygoid plexus, or directly into the cavernous sinus. Its drainage pattern can vary significantly among individuals.

Clinical Significance

The ophthalmic veins are clinically significant due to their connections with the cavernous sinus. Infections or thrombosis in the facial region can spread to the cavernous sinus via the ophthalmic veins, leading to a condition known as cavernous sinus thrombosis. This condition can result in serious complications, including cranial nerve palsies and vision loss.

Related Pages

• Orbit (anatomy)
• Cavernous sinus
• Superior orbital fissure
• Extraocular muscles