Orbital magnetic resonance imaging
Orbital MRI in Casablanca
Orbital MRI examines the bony cavities that contain the eyes. It shows the eyeball, the muscles that move it, the fat that surrounds it, the lacrimal gland and above all the optic nerve, up to where the optic nerves cross behind the eyes (chiasm). Without X-rays, it helps understand vision loss, a bulging eye or double vision. It is often supplemented with a few images of the brain.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Unexplained vision loss, in one or both eyes.
- Suspected optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), often painful when the eye moves.
- Bulging eye (exophthalmos), particularly in Graves' disease.
- Double vision or paralysis of an eye muscle.
- Mass of the orbit or lacrimal gland, or eye tumor to be clarified.
- Follow-up of a known orbital lesion.
How the exam is done
Before the exam, the radiographer makes sure that all eye makeup has been removed and that there is no metal fragment in the eye. You then lie on your back, with your head in the head coil, held in place by pads.
The key point is keeping your gaze still: a moving eye blurs the image of the optic nerve. Keep your eyes closed without squeezing your eyelids, or stare at a fixed point if asked, and try not to blink during each sequence. Between two series, you can blink and relax. An injection is often given through a vein in the arm in the second part of the exam. When you leave, your vision is not affected.
Preparation
- Come without eye makeup (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner): some pigments contain metal.
- Remove your contact lenses and bring your glasses.
- Mention any metalwork (grinding, welding, turning), even in the past.
- Leave jewelry and facial piercings in the changing room.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is common, particularly for optic neuritis or a mass. It is given through a vein in the arm and is accompanied by sequences that suppress the signal from the orbital fat, to see the nerve better.
Contraindications and precautions
- Metal fragment in the eye, even an old one: a major contraindication; if in doubt, an X-ray or a CT scan of the orbits, depending on the case, may be requested beforehand.
- Eyeliner or permanent eyelid makeup, which can heat up or affect the image.
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, cochlear implant or neurostimulator: compatibility to be checked.
- Old vascular clip or implanted pump.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, before a gadolinium injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and letter from the ophthalmologist
- Visual field test, fundus examination or OCT (retinal exam) if available
- Previous eye ultrasound, CT scan or MRI of the orbits
- Thyroid tests in case of Graves' disease
- List of your medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of orbital MRI depends on the gadolinium injection, which is common for optic neuritis or a mass.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I asked whether I have worked with metal?
A tiny metal fragment can remain in the eye after grinding or welding, sometimes without you knowing it. The magnetic field could move it and injure the eye. If in doubt, an X-ray or a CT scan of the orbits, depending on the case, is done before the MRI to check that there is no fragment.
How can I avoid moving my eyes?
Close your eyes gently and imagine you are looking at a fixed point straight ahead, without squeezing your eyelids. The radiographer announces the start and end of each sequence: you can then blink and move your eyes before the next one.
MRI or CT scan of the orbits: which one should be chosen?
CT shows the bones of the orbit very well and is often used after an injury. MRI analyzes the optic nerve, the muscles and the soft tissues better, without X-rays. Your doctor chooses according to the question being asked, and the two are sometimes complementary.
Can MRI damage my eyesight?
No, in the absence of a metallic foreign body. MRI uses neither X-rays nor intense light, and vision is not changed after the exam. The precautions concern metal fragments, makeup and eyelid tattooing, which must be reported beforehand.
Orbital MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of orbital MRI depends on the gadolinium injection, which is common for optic neuritis or a mass. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.