Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Veins, ophthalmic
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Veins, ophthalmic: The orbital cavity is drained by paired veins called the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins. The superior ophthalmic vein arises at the inner angle of orbit and follows the course of ophthalmic artery into the cavernous sinus, a greatly dilated (widened) channel of venous blood. The inferior ophthalmic vein arises from a venous network at the forepart of orbit and divides into two branches one of which also ends in the cavernous sinus.
The corresponding eye artery is called the ophthalmic artery. It supplies blood not only to the eye but also to adjacent structures of face. It arises from the internal carotid artery that courses up deep within the front of the neck.