In this presentation from AAO 2016, Dr. Valerie Biousse presents the pros and cons for corticosteroid treatment in arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and giant-cell arteritis (GCA). Most GCA have adverse affects that can be devastating in the elderly, who should be admitted to the hospital, despite the fact that hospitals and carriers want to save money. Hospitals provide immediate and round-the-clock treatment. It is safer for the elderly because they can be monitored. Patients should have intraveous steriod treatment in high doses. There is no choice between drugs: Steroids treat GCA effectively and prevent visual loss. Corticosteriod treatment should be administered immediately and aggressively and given because it suppresses inflammation and disease activity. 

This presentation was co-sponsored by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS).