Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in ophthalmology

Diagnostic imaging techniques continue to gain tremendous importance in the evaluation of ocular and orbital disease as technical developments and refinements are made. This article presents key diagnostic imaging methods, with special focus directed toward the advanced modalities important in evaluation of the traumatized eye and orbit. The text has been prepared specifically for the clinical ophthalmologist. Each of the diagnostic modalities discussed is presented in terms of its basic biophysical mechanism, indications, and advantages and disadvantages. The techniques described include simple plain film roentgenography (and its contrast-related applications: dacryocystography, orbital venography, and angiography), axial hypocycloidal tomography, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging.