Third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsy is a less common complication of giant cell arteritis than ischemic optic neuritis. Nevertheless, it occurs in at least 10% of cases. A case of giant cell arteritis with third nerve palsy which resolved under corticosteroid therapy is reported. The incidence of ocular complications is assessed from a review of the cases previously seen in the department and of data from the medical literature. The authors believe that the index patient has ischemic neuritis rather than myositis. It is concluded that giant cell arteritis should be considered at an early reversible stage.