Prevention of blindness in giant cell arteritis by corticosteroid treatment.

Ninety-six patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) seen from 1968 to 1985 were studied with regard to the starting dose of prednisolone and the development of serious ocular complications, which proved to be very few after treatment was started. Those starting on 20 mg of prednisolone or less daily fared at least as well as those starting on higher doses. Analysis of the literature does not support the belief that higher doses provide greater protection from blindness.