The value of skull radiography in ophthalmology

Abstract

Skull radiographs and special views are still requested in ophthalmology despite the increasing availability of other radiological investigations such as CT, MR imaging and ultrasound. In order to assess the value of skull radiography in ophthalmology we retrospectively studied the use of skull radiographs and CT images in our department. In only one instance was patient management based purely on skull radiograph findings. Over 50% of CT examinations had been preceded by skull films which made no contribution towards management. In some cases the skull films had been misleading by not showing significant pathology and had consequently created considerable delay before diagnosis was reached. It is therefore unjustifiable to use skull films as a method of screening for orbital or intracranial disease and there is little indication for skull radiography in ophthalmology, except in detection of intraocular foreign bodies, facial and orbital fractures and simple sinusitis.