Red Light In MRI Scanner

[dubsiew]

Just had an MRI scan today and as I was put into the machine a red light was shining into my eyes. After about a minute the machine moved and the light vanished.

Was this light laser as my eyes feel pretty sore and gritty. I found the whole MRI scan pretty scary and my heart was pounding and it didn't occur to me at the time that maybe i should have my eyes open

I've called the diagnostics company up and they have told me its ok to keep your eyes open and I don't recall the radiology lady saying close my eyes.

To be honest I was completely unprepared to how I would cope with the whole process and was more like a startled rabbit.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

It is not a harmful laser.  Will not damage your eyes.

HV

[dubsiew]

Thankyou, I didn't think I would find the scanner uncomfortable but I didn't expect it to be so close to the machine and I didn't expect it to be so noisy.

Once in it felt like it would never end. Next time I'm taking something to cover my eyes so I can't see the roof of the machine.