Ultrasound in ophthalmology.

The first ocular echogram was published in 1956. Since then, ophthalmic ultrasound has developed into a multifaceted diagnostic discipline, the basic methods being A-scan and B-scan, Doppler techniques and recently also three-dimensional approaches. Unique for ophthalmology is the newly invented, highly resolving equipment utilising ultrasound frequencies of 50 MHz and higher, so-called ultrasound biomicroscopy. During this development, the special ophthalmic items often kept colleagues from other fields at some distance. With a view to a fair balance between specific and more general information, the primary aim of the present overview is to provide insight for other medical branches employing diagnostic ultrasound. Regarding intraocular morphology, ultrasonic evaluation in experienced hands is superior to other imaging methods. As for orbital pathology, imaging by CT and MR appears more complete. Ultrasound is valuable, however, in particular as part of the initial clinical work-up, and for the follow-up of orbital disease. Furthermore, tissue differentiation by way of ultrasound is of great value with regard to certain entities.