Orbital imaging provides detailed pictures of the eye socket and its contents to diagnose structural and pathological conditions. It uses CT, MRI, or ultrasound depending on the clinical question.
Approach
CT offers rapid evaluation of bone, foreign bodies, and acute trauma, while MRI excels in soft tissue contrast for muscles, nerves, and tumours. Ultrasound is useful for anterior orbital lesions and bedside assessment.
- Scans are acquired in multiple planes for full anatomical coverage
- Contrast enhancement highlights inflammatory and vascular pathology
- Imaging protocols are tailored for trauma, tumour, or inflammatory indications
- Reports describe size, location, and likely nature of lesions
Clinical Role
Orbital imaging is essential in managing thyroid eye disease, neoplasms, infections, trauma, and congenital anomalies. It informs surgical planning and helps monitor treatment response.
- Identifies compression of the optic nerve or globe deformation
- Guides decompression, biopsy, or drainage procedures
- Serial imaging tracks disease activity in chronic conditions
- Findings must be correlated with ophthalmic and systemic evaluation
