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What Can an MRI of Orbits Reveal?

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a type of radiological study. The "orbits," in this context, are the eyes and structures surrounding them.

  1. The Test

    • For an MRI of the orbits, a patient lies down and is scanned, from the neck up, by the MRI machine. The procedure is painless.

    Interpretation

    • The MRI produces films, which are read and interpreted by a radiologist, a physician who specializes in performing and interpreting radiological procedures.

    Value

    • MRIs are the most useful test when a physician needs to see what is behind a patient's orbits.

    Uses

    • MRIs of the orbit are also done when a patient has a bulging eye or eyes so the doctor can see if there is a mass or tumor in the area. Other reasons a doctor might request an MRI of the orbits are swelling, infection, or cellulitis near the eyes.

    Diseases

    • Doctors often request MRIs to check on the progress of certain diseases and to assess damage to the optic nerve and the surrounding structures. These diseases include multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Grave's disease, exopthalmos, proptosis, and vascular lesions.

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