Ophthalmic Ultrasonography: Theoretic and Practical Considerations

Ophthalmic ultrasonography is the main diagnostic imaging modality of the eye. It is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic tool that provides instant feedback for the evaluation of various ophthalmic disorders. Diagnostic ophthalmic ultrasonography is most useful in the presence of opaque ocular media caused by corneal opacities, anterior chamber opacities, cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, or inflammatory opacities. Ophthalmic ultrasonography is also valuable in the presence of clear media and for evaluation of the iris, lens, ciliary body, and orbital structures. This article provides a brief overview of the basic physics of ultrasound, instrumentation, and special examination techniques used in ophthalmic ultrasonography.