Of the different ocular implants, lens implants, and devices that have undergone MRI testing, the Fatio eyelid spring, the retinal tack made from martensitic (i.e. ferromagnetic) stainless steel (Western European), the Troutman magnetic ocular implant, and the Unitek round wire eyelid spring demonstrated positive magnetic field interactions in association with 1.5-Tesla MR systems. By comparison, many lens implants pose no hazard to the patient during an MRI procedure since they are not made from metallic or conducting materials (see The List).

A patient with a Fatio eyelid spring or round wire eyelid spring may experience discomfort but would probably not be injured as a result of exposure to an MR system. In fact, patients have undergone MR examinations with eyelid wires after having a protective plastic covering placed around the globe along with a firmly applied eye patch as a precaution.

The retinal tack made from martensitic stainless steel and Troutman magnetic ocular implant may injure a patient undergoing an MR procedure, although no such case has ever been reported.

Interestingly, Tokue, et al. (2013) reported that certain color contact lenses (which are a type of cosmetic contact lens) may contain iron oxide or other metals, which is problematic for MRI due to the associated imaging artifacts.

For additional information pertaining to ocular-related prostheses, see Glaucoma Drainage Implants (Shunt Tubes), Magnetically-Activated Implants and Devices, and Scleral Buckle (Scleral Buckling) Procedure.

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Tokue H, et al. Incidental discovery of circle contact lens by MRI: You can't scan my poker face, circle contact lens as a potential MRI hazard. BMC Med Imaging 2013;13:11.

van Rijn GA, et al. Magnetic resonance compatibility of intraocular lenses measured at 7 Tesla. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012;53:3449-3453.