Eye X-ray is an X-ray examination of the eye socket bones. It is most often used for wounds of the eye socket and eyeball. An indication for the study may be a suspicion of a connection between inflammatory or degenerative changes in the eye with the presence of a fragment in it after an old (possibly undiagnosed) injury. An overview X-ray of the orbit is carried out in the lateral (the patient’s position lying on his side) and anterior (the patient’s position face down) projections. It can be supplemented with a semi-axial image, during which the patient’s head rests with his chin on a stand.
Whatever the indication for this procedure, the eye x-ray should always be performed in several projections, since with this diagnostic method, the three-dimensional picture is reflected on the plane. This means that in order to see the exact location of the tissues, one picture will not be enough. The main objectives of the eye x-ray are: detection of diseases of the eye socket, its injuries, as well as foreign objects.
With the help of eye x-ray, the doctor will be able to easily detect foreign objects in this area, although in some cases, a combination of eye x-ray with ultrasound and CT may be necessary for a more thorough examination.
The main advantages of eye x-ray include its relatively low price in comparison with other research methods and the ability to see fractures of any type on the image.
Despite the fact that this procedure is quite safe, it still has some contraindications. So, an eye x-ray is not recommended for pregnant women, and children under 14 years of age need to carry it out only in case of urgent need.
Indications
Most often , an eye x-ray is required in the following cases:
- in case of recent injuries or fractures in the eye area;
- if there are degenerative eye diseases;
- in the presence of fresh wounds in the area of the eyeball;
- when benign or malignant tumors of the eye socket are detected;
- if there is a contusion of the eye;
- if an inflammatory or infectious lesion of the eye is detected (especially if the specialist suspects that the cause of this inflammation is the presence of a foreign body in the eye);
- when old wounds are found on a healthy eye;
- when syphilis or tuberculosis of the eye socket is detected;
- with congenital malformations of the eye socket.
Preparation
Eye x-ray does not require any special preparation from the patient. Immediately before the procedure, patients are advised to remove all metal objects located near the face (earrings, chains, removable metal prostheses). This is necessary in order to get the highest quality image (metal objects have the ability to reflect X-rays).
Methodology of conducting
During the procedure, the patient should lie on the couch or sit in an armchair and at the same time not move until the device stops taking pictures.
As a rule, an eye x-ray implies a whole series of images that are taken in different projections:
- anterior – posterior;
- chin-vertical (it is needed so that specialists can clearly see the base of the skull);
- stereoscopic;
- semi – axial;
- anterior oblique.
If the doctor finds an expansion of the eye slit from above in the patient, then an additional snapshot of the upper part of the eye socket can be assigned.
In order to detect the presence of foreign bodies in the patient’s eye and determine their location, specialists can use contact diagnostic techniques, their essence lies in the use of special indicators that are placed in the affected eye immediately before the examination. The most popular method is considered to be the Komberg — Baltin method. This research technique allows you to determine the location of a foreign body with an accuracy of one millimeter. The inductor implant, which is used during the procedure, looks like a contact glass with four lead marks, which are necessary for further calculations.
The whole procedure, despite the apparent complexity, takes only a few minutes. An eye x-ray does not cause absolutely no discomfort or pain, so this procedure should not be feared.
