A computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbit is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create detailed pictures of the eye sockets (orbits), eyes and surrounding bones.

CT scan - orbital; Eye CT scan; Computed tomography scan - orbit

You lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Only your head is placed inside the CT scanner.

You may be allowed to rest your head on a pillow.

Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you.

A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. The computer can create three-dimensional models of the body area by stacking the slices together.

You must lie still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods.

The actual scan takes about 2 minutes. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

• You will be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.
• If you weigh more than 300 pounds, find out if the CT machine has a weight limit. Too much weight can cause damage to the scanner's working parts.

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into the body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.

• Contrast can be given through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6 hours before the test.
• Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medications before the test in order to safely receive this substance.
• Before receiving the contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) because you may need to take extra precautions.
• Before the scan, let your health care provider know if you have poor kidney function. This is because the contrast may not be able to be used.

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.

Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning sensation. You may also have a metallic taste in the mouth and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

This test is helpful for diagnosing diseases that affect the following areas:

• Blood vessels
• Eye muscles
• Eyes
• Nerves supplying the eyes (optic nerves)
• Sinuses

An orbit CT scan may also be used to detect:

• Abscess (infection) of the eye area
• Broken eye socket bone
• Foreign object in the eye socket

• Bleeding
• Broken eye socket bone
• Graves disease
• Infection
• Tumor

CT scans and other x-rays are strictly monitored and controlled to make sure they use the least amount of radiation. The risk associated with any individual scan is very low. The risk increases as numerous additional studies are performed.

In some cases, a CT scan may still be done if the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. For example, it can be more risky not to have the exam, especially if your health care provider thinks you might have cancer.

The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If a person with an iodine allergy is given this type of contrast, nausea, sneezing, vomiting, itching, or hives may occur.

If you absolutely must be given such contrast, your doctor may choose to treat you with antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.

The kidneys help filter the iodine out of the body. If you have kidney disease or diabetes, you should be closely monitored for kidney problems after this test. If you have diabetes or have kidney disease, talk to your health care provider before the test about your risks.

Before receiving the contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage) because you may need to take extra precautions and stop the medication for 48 hours after the test.

In rare cases, the dye can cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, you should ntell the scanner operator right away. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.

Massoud TF, Cross JJ. The orbit. In: Adam A, Dixon A, eds. Grainger and Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2008:chap 61.

Szatmary G. Imaging of the orbit. Neurol Clin. 2008;27:251-284.