What is an Ophthalmic Ultrasound?
Also known as a brightness scan, or a B-Scan, this instrument uses ultrasound technology to allow for visualization into the back of the eyeball, particularly in cases where view of the retina might be obscured and difficult to see through a dilated pupil exam alone. This test involves closing your eyes while your provider uses the B-scan device on your closed eyelids. This non-invasive process results in a two-dimensional image of the retina, as well as the vitreous body.
What Can the B-Scan Help to Diagnose?
The B-Scan can be a helpful tool to allow your provider to understand the extent or severity of certain conditions. In certain cases, it can be the only tool effective in helping to evaluate an eye that cannot be examined with pupil dilation. Conditions that can be seen with the ultrasound include:
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- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Masses or Lesions
- Visually significant floaters
