Normally, physicians are able to examine the inside of the eye by dilating (widening) the pupils with medicated eyedrops and looking in with a special scope. This does not work, however, when the cornea is cloudy, there is blood in the eyeball or some other condition prevents a clear view. In these cases, an ultrasound device can generate an image of the structures inside the eye. Ultrasound is also useful when the physician needs to accurately measure eye structures for evaluation or treatment.
In an ultrasound exam, a small probe is placed on the patient’s eye or eyelid (the eye is numbed, so any discomfort is minimal). The probe emits a sound wave that bounces off structures within the eye. A computer uses the information to generate an image of the eye and the surrounding tissues. The procedure takes about 20 to 40 minutes.