Ophthalmic NMR

Abstract

There are two modes of NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), i.e., MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy). MRI is now a common diagnostic modality, which in many ways proves superior to X-ray CT. MRS can provide metabolic information of tissue, which is not obtainable with other diagnostic imaging means; its clinical application is in the offing. We have applied several NMR techniques to the examination of ocular tissues such as the lens, cornea, vitreous, and retina. These techniques include MRI of water protons (including NMR microscopy) and MRS of various nuclei such as phosphorus-31, carbon-13, deuterium, and proton. The results are summarized in this review.