Which veins are primarily responsible for draining the choroid?

• A. Vortex Veins
• B. Central Retinal Veins
• C. Superior Ophthalmic Vein
• D. Inferior Ophthalmic Vein

Answer: (A)

Blood from the choroid is removed mainly by a set of large veins called the vortex veins. These veins collect blood from the choroidal vasculature and pass posteriorly, exiting the eye through the sclera near the back of the eye. From there, they drain into the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins and ultimately join the cavernous sinus system through the orbital veins. The central retinal vein handles drainage of the inner retina, not the choroid, and the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins drain orbital contents in general; they’re part of the drainage pathway but not the primary route for the choroid—that role belongs to the vortex veins.