CT Scan of Orbit

A CT scan of orbit uses advanced x-ray technology and computer reconstruction to create detailed, 3D images of the eye sockets, surrounding bones, muscles, optic nerve and soft tissues. The scan can detect fractures, infections, tumours, foreign bodies and structural abnormalities that routine eye exams may miss.

Key Benefits of Choosing Cadabams Diagnostics

• 5-minute scan time—in and out the same hour
• High-resolution 3D images for confident diagnosis
• Same-day radiologist report—no waiting for results
• Low-dose radiation protocols—safer for adults and children
• Comfortable, child-friendly suite with trained technicians

Definition and Technology

Computed Tomography (CT) combines multiple x-ray beams and powerful computers to produce cross-sectional images (“slices”) of the orbit—the bony cavity that houses the eyeball. The rotating gantry circles the head in seconds, capturing data that is reconstructed into 3D pictures.

Alternative Names

• Orbit CT
• CT orbits
• Orbital scan
• Orbital CT imaging

• Eye socket (orbit) bone integrity—walls, floor, roof, rims
• Extra-ocular muscle size & position—superior, inferior, medial & lateral rectus
• Optic nerve canal diameter—checks for compression or enlargement
• Presence of masses, fractures, foreign bodies—metal, glass, stones

• Detect blow-out fractures after facial trauma
• Evaluate thyroid eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
• Identify orbital tumours, cysts or vascular malformations
• Diagnose orbital cellulitis before complications arise

• Eye trauma—after road accidents, sports injuries or falls
• Vision loss or double vision of unknown cause
• Bulging eyes (proptosis) or sudden eye pain
• Suspected orbital infections such as cellulitis or abscess
• Pre-surgical planning for eye muscle repair, tumour removal or orbital reconstruction

• Quick 5-minute scan—perfect for busy schedules
• 3D reconstruction allows surgeons to plan procedures accurately
• Same-day radiologist report speeds up treatment decisions
• Non-invasive—no needles unless contrast is required

• Orbital cellulitis—infection behind the eye
• Blow-out fractures—orbital floor or medial wall breaks
• Graves’ ophthalmopathy—muscle enlargement & eye protrusion
• Optic nerve compression—from tumours or inflammation

• Fasting 2 hours if contrast is planned—clear fluids allowed
• Remove metal—earrings, piercings, glasses, hearing aids
• Inform staff about pregnancy, breastfeeding, iodine allergy, kidney disease

• Doctor’s prescription stating CT orbits with or without contrast
• Recent creatinine report if contrast is needed—checks kidney function
• Bring previous imaging CDs for comparison and trend analysis

• Within 48 hours of eye trauma—before swelling masks fractures
• Before elective orbital surgery—to map anatomy precisely

• Adults & children above 5 years—younger kids may need mild sedation
• Stable patients—no life-support implants that prohibit scanning
• No MRI-compatible implants required because we use CT, not MRI

1. Positioning—lie flat on the scanner table, head on cushioned holder
2. Head immobilisation—soft straps keep the head still for sharp images
3. Short breath-hold—stay still for 10 seconds while the gantry rotates
4. Contrast injection (if ordered)—quick IV dye push, mild warm sensation

• Pregnancy test if indicated—especially for women of child-bearing age
• Contrast allergy pre-medication protocol—antihistamine & steroid cover available

• Low radiation exposure—equivalent to a few months of natural background radiation
• Pregnancy caution—tell our staff if you are or may be pregnant
• Soft-tissue detail may be less than MRI; however, CT excels at bone and calcified lesions