Arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation (swelling) of the arteries (blood vessels which bring blood from the heart). When the arteries swell, they decrease blood flow. GCA affects arteries in the zone of the neck, upper part of the body and the arms. It is called skull arteritis, as it affects the head (the skull).
As those blood vessels also bring blood to the eyes, the decrease in blood flow can cause sudden, painless vision loss. This condition is known as arterial ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) – a type of ischemic optic neuropathy.
The symptoms of arteritis (GCA) can very. Many people feel a heavy headache. GCA can cause sudden vision loss or double vision. Blindness caused by GCA usually shows in one eye, but it can also affect the other if the reason is not treated.
Your doctor will likely prescribe steroid tablets. Many people feel way better soon after starting treatment, but it can last for up to two years.