Orbit X-ray

Orbital x rays are used to examine the surrounding structures containing the eye. It includes the surrounding structures protecting the eye, the eyebrow, the bridge of the nose and the cheekbone.
It is useful for:

• Detecting fractures of the surrounding bone (injury, trauma and disease),
• Detecting foreign objects in the eye - especially if you suspect metal in the eye prior to an MRI scan,
• Examining the sinuses.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken.

You may require several images to be taken at different views depending on what your doctor has requested. The picture may also be taken:

• Head positioned facing the x-ray plate (frontal view),
• Facing forward with your head angle upwards slightly,
• Your back to the plate and neck extended back as far as you can go,
• On the side (ear facing the plate - lateral),
• Sitting with your chin, cheek and nose against surface.
  

If the orbital x-ray is looking for evidence of metallic fragments in the eye then two images will be taken while facing the plate. One with your eyes looking up and one with your eyes looking down. These views will show any movement of fragments and helps rule out false positives / artefacts which may be present on the image.

It is extremely important to remain still during the pictures to ensure your pictures are clear.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the x-ray and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

It will usually only take 10-15 minutes to complete the examination.