Magnetic resonance imaging and intraocular foreign bodies.

We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to study magnetic resonance imaging of intraocular foreign bodies. Diamagnetic and paramagnetic foreign bodies were imaged without artifact and without movement during the imaging process, while ferromagnetic foreign bodies produced large amounts of artifact that prevented meaningful images. All fetromagnetic foreign bodies moved during in vitro imaging. During in vivo imaging, three of four ferromagnetic bodies moved, producing substantial retinal injury. We concluded that magnetic resonance imaging is contraindicated in traumatized eyes with suspected ferromagnetic foreign bodies.