An eye and orbit ultrasound is a test to take a look at the eye area. It also measures the size and structures of the eye. Other names of the procedure are Echography – eye orbit, Ultrasound – eye orbit, Ocular ultrasonography, Orbital ultrasonography.
How Eye/Orbit Ultrasound is Performed
The test is most often carried out in the ophthalmologist’s office or the ophthalmology department of a health center or center.
Your eye is numbed with medicine (anesthetic drops). The ultrasound wand (transducer) is put versus the front surface of the eye.
The ultrasound uses high-frequency acoustic waves that travel through the eye. Reflections (echoes) of the sound waves form a picture of the structure of the eye. The test takes about 15 minutes.
There are two types of scans: A-scan and B-scan.
What Is A-Scan and What Is B-Scan?
A-Scan
The A-scan measures the eye. This is useful in figuring out the correct lens implant for cataract surgery.
While sitting upright in a chair, you’ll put your chin on a chin rest and look straight ahead. A probe that has been oiled will be placed against the front part of your eye as it’s scanned.
An A-scan can likewise be performed while you’re resting. In that case, a fluid-filled cup, or water bath, is put versus the surface of your eye as it’s scanned.
B-Scan
The B-scan assists your doctor see the space behind the eye. Cataracts and other conditions make it difficult to see the back of the eye. The B-scan also helps in the diagnosis of growths, retinal detachment, and other conditions.
During a B-scan, you’ll remain in a seated position with your eyes closed. Your optometrist will put a gel on your eyelids. They’ll inform you to keep your eyes closed while moving them in lots of directions. Your optometrist will place the probe against your eyelids.
For the A-scan:
- You will most often being in a chair and place your chin on a chin rest. You will look directly ahead.
- A little probe is positioned versus the front of your eye.
- The test may also be finished with you lying back. With this technique, a fluid-filled cup is placed versus your eye to do the test.
For the B-scan:
- You will be seated and you may be asked to search in many instructions. The test is frequently finished with your eyes closed.
- A gel is put on the skin of your eyelids. The B-scan probe is gently positioned versus your eyelids to do the test.
During an Eye Untrasound Scan
Your eye is numbed, so you should not have any pain. You might be asked to search in various instructions to improve the ultrasound image or so it can see different areas of your eye.
The gel used with the B-scan might diminish your cheek, however you will not feel any pain or pain.
Why the test is performed? You may need this test if you have cataracts or other eye problems.
An A-scan ultrasound measures the eye to identify the right power of a lens implant before cataract surgery.
A B-scan is done to look at the within part of the eye or the space behind the eye that can not be seen straight. This may occur when you have cataracts or other conditions that make it hard for the doctor to see into the back of your eye. The test may help detect retinal detachment, growths, or other disorders.
Eye Untrasound Scan Normal Results
For an A-scan, measurements of the eye are in the normal variety.
For a B-scan, the structures of the eye and orbit appear normal.
What Abnormal Results of Eye Untrasound Scan Mean
A B-scan might reveal:
- Bleeding into the clear gel (vitreous) that fills the back of the eye (vitreous hemorrhage).
- Cancer of the retina (retinoblastoma), under the retina, or in other parts of the eye (such as cancer malignancy).
- Harmed tissue or injuries in the bony socket (orbit) that surrounds and safeguards the eye.
- Foreign bodies.
- Pulling away of the retina from the back of the eye (retinal detachment).
- Swelling (inflammation).
To prevent scratching the cornea, do not rub the numbed eye till the anesthetic wears off (about 15 minutes). There are no other risks.
Ultrasound of the eye and orbit is performed using modern equipment. This technique does not require much time, a lot of money and special training. In the course of diagnosis, the specialist examines the features of the structure of the retina, muscles, and lens. The procedure is prescribed for making a final diagnosis, before and after surgical intervention. The technique is also used to monitor the dynamics of the disease.
Ultrasound examination of the eye is a demanded method of detecting pathological processes and changes in internal tissues.
Clinics and public hospitals equipped with innovative scanners provide high-quality ultrasound eye diagnosis. Qualified specialists use different techniques:
One-dimensional echography – an effective method by which the size of the eye, internal structures and elements are determined. It is used before surgical intervention. For pain relief, an anesthetic is injected into the eye. The essence of the procedure is that the specialist moves the probe along the eye lid. The information obtained is shown on a computer monitor in the form of a diagram showing the key parameters of the eyeball
Two-dimensional echography – A scan used to evaluate the internal structure of the eye. A two-dimensional picture appears on the computer screen in the form of numerous dots of varying degrees of brightness. This technique is widespread. The procedure takes 15 minutes. The patient does not feel any discomfort
Combined method – it combines the advantages of one- and two-dimensional echography. It is in demand in private clinics, outpatient centers. After the procedure, an ophthalmologist makes an accurate diagnosis and develops a treatment plan.
Three-dimensional echography is an innovative technique, which implies obtaining three-dimensional images of the visual organ. It is an effective method with great potential. An ophthalmologist examines the structure of the eye orbits and draws the correct conclusions. Private clinics use advanced equipment with high functionality. That is why it is possible to obtain a picture in real time
Color duplex scanning is an effective way in which vascular diseases are detected. The study is aimed at studying the blood flow. It is performed quickly and qualitatively. A specialist evaluates the results by comparing them with normal values. The procedure is characterized by absolute safety. Ultrasonic waves have no negative impact on the body
Ultrasound examination of the eye is a demanded method of detecting pathological processes and changes in internal tissues.
Depending on the data the ophthalmologist needs to clarify, there are two types of ultrasound:
The patient lies down on a couch and closes his eyes. A hypoallergenic gel is applied to the eyelids, designed for ultrasound diagnosis. A sensor is placed on the upper eyelid. The results of the study are recorded in the protocol. The procedure takes about half an hour. In some cases, the doctor asks the patient to make chaotic eye movements. The information obtained is deciphered by a qualified doctor who specializes in this area
The patient is seated in a comfortable chair. A superficial anesthesia is administered. This is done for two purposes: to achieve immobility of the eye and to ensure that the manipulation is painless. The eyes are left open. A sterile probe is placed on the surface of the eyeball
Medical institutions are equipped with modern equipment for ultrasound examinations. This refers to an A/B scanner and pachymeter. These are new generation devices, distinguished by their safety of operation. They provide a quick calculation of the IOL according to rational formulas. Advanced devices are used to detect intraocular tumors, partial or complete retinal detachment, traumatic damage to the eye. The equipment is installed in medical institutions whose managers prefer practical solutions. It quickly pays for itself. Why? Clients actively apply to ophthalmology clinics which provide high-quality services.
The AVISO A/V scanner is in high demand. It is a device developed by leading engineers. The ultrasound equipment is manufactured by the French company Quantel Medical. This is a well-known manufacturer, which provides early and accurate diagnosis.
AVISO A/V scanner is a new model created on the basis of a PC. It is a device complete with a variety of sensors. It is designed to visualize the anatomico-topographic structures of the orbit, crystalline lens, ocular fundus and perform detailed studies of anomalies. The high accuracy of the procedure is ensured by a biometric sensor with a laser target. With the help of such a device the human gaze is fixed and the axes of the eyes and ultrasound beams are aligned.