Magnetic resonance imaging of the human eye in vivo.

Because of the broad range of T1 (longitudinal relaxation time), T2 (transverse relaxation time), and proton density of the component tissues in the eye, proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide ocular images of high contrast. The use of surface coils further enhances the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and shortens the image acquisition time to 1 to 6 min. High-resolution MR images of the eye therefore can be acquired readily and routinely. At present, with conventional spin-echo imaging, the in-plane resolution of MR images can be as high as (but not limited to) 0.3 x 0.3 mm with a 3-mm slice thickness. MRI can be used to detect and differentiate ocular lesions and to determine the ocular shape and measure ocular dimensions such as tissue thickness, curvature, and volume.