Scan Types / MRI Orbits Scan
MRI Orbits Scan
An MRI of the orbits provides high-resolution images of the eyeballs, optic nerves, extraocular muscles, lacrimal glands, and surrounding orbital tissues. It’s essential for diagnosing the cause of vision loss, double vision, eye pain, proptosis (bulging eye), or orbital tumors and infections.
What is an MRI orbit scan?
The orbits are the bony sockets that house your eyes and associated structures. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — without radiation — to produce clear, cross-sectional images of:
- The globe (eyeball)
- Optic nerves and chiasm
- Extraocular muscles
- Lacrimal gland and ducts
- Orbital fat, vessels, and bony boundaries
MRI is especially suited for evaluating soft tissue structures and inflammation around the eyes.
Why consider a private MRI scan for the orbits?
Symptoms like vision changes, pain behind the eyes, or bulging may stem from serious orbital or neurological causes. MRI is often the most sensitive test for these conditions.
Private scan benefits include:
- Faster appointments — no delays
- Consultant radiologist report in 3 working days
- Superior tissue detail compared to CT
- Useful for ophthalmologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists
Symptoms that may warrant an orbital MRI
Your clinician may recommend an MRI if you have:
- Sudden or unexplained vision loss
- Pain or pressure behind the eyes
- Bulging or protrusion of the eye (proptosis)
- Swelling around the eyelid or brow
- Double vision or impaired eye movement
- Known thyroid eye disease or orbital tumor
- Unexplained asymmetry between eyes
What can an orbital MRI detect?
This scan can diagnose:
- Optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis lesions
- Orbital cellulitis or abscesses
- Tumors (e.g., optic nerve gliomas, meningiomas)
- Thyroid eye disease (Graves’ orbitopathy)
- Lacrimal gland swelling or tumors
- Vascular abnormalities (e.g., cavernous hemangiomas)
- Trauma-related muscle or nerve damage
Preparing for your orbital MRI
Before your scan:
- Remove contact lenses, glasses, earrings, or makeup
- Bring ophthalmology letters or vision test results
- Eat and take medication as normal unless instructed
- Let us know about any eye or orbital surgery
Please notify the team if you have:
- You have metallic foreign bodies in the eye (e.g., welding injury)
- You wear a pacemaker
- Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
- You experience anxiety or claustrophobia
How it works
Smarter Scanning. Proactive Health. Peace of Mind.
Choose
Pick a scan or a program. No referral required.
Book
Select a time online - same‑day availability.
Scan
Be seen by specialists in our Bluewater clinic.
Results
Consultant‑led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Pricing for a private orbital MRI scan
Our transparent self-pay pricing options:
Includes detailed radiologist report within 3 working days.
Standard MRI
MRI of orbits without contrast
£295
With Contrast
Includes contrast for deeper lesion detection
£495
Get clarity. Get control.
Cut out long NHS queues, avoid opaque private quotes, and step into a single-visit, consultant-led experience.
FAQs
Got a question? Check below to find the answer.
We’re an independent diagnostic centre in Dartford offering same-day private MRI with UK-consultant reporting and transparent self-pay pricing.
No-self-referral is welcome. If you already have a referral letter, upload it at checkout.
Prices start at £150 for single-area Off-Peak scans. Your fee covers the scan, double-reading, and unlimited portal access.
Many insurers reimburse private MRI. We provide the codes and receipts you need to claim.
Call 01322 - MRI - NOW, start a live chat, or email hello@myscanhub.co.uk.