Both CT and MRI are used to evaluate the contents of the orbit. When there is a history of trauma, CT is typically used since it is more sensitive for fractures of the bony margins of the orbits. On CT, when viewing soft tissue windows, the extraocular mucles, optic nerve and globe are visible, so limited assessment of these structures can also be made.
The higher soft tissue contrast of MRI results in better conspicuity of the soft tissue structures of the orbit, especially the globe. Compare the MRI and CT images shown.
