Eye Library / Diagnostic Tests / Eye Ultrasound

Eye Ultrasound: is used in ophthalmology when a cloudy cornea, a dense cataract, or blood in the vitreous obscures a view into the eye with an ophthalmoscope. Standardized ultrasound also may be used to evaluate the extent and location of a retinal detachment, to determine the exact borders and height of intraocular or orbital tumors; to determine the axial eye length (the distance from the outer cornea to the macula); and the thickness of extraocular muscles. B-scan ultrasound produces a two-dimensional, cross-sectional image; A-scan produces a one-dimensional view. It is appropriate to obtain an A-scan on patients before cataract surgery to determine the appropriate power of the intraocular lens implant.