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Diagnosis

Ultrasound (B-scan)

Tractional retinal detachment

 

During this test, an ultrasound device emits high frequency sound waves to provide a cross-sectional, two-dimensional view of eye tissue that is not visible in other ways. These sound waves are reflected by eye tissues and orbital structures and converted into electrical pulses, which are displayed on a printout as bright spots on a black background.

The test is usually done in the ophthalmologist’s office or the ophthalmology department. You usually sit in a chair. The eye will be numbed with anesthetizing drops. The ultrasound wand (transducer) is placed against the front surface of the eye.

The test normally takes about 15 minutes.

The test may reveal:

• Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the transparent gel that fills the eyeball between the retina and the lens)
• Retinal detachment (separation of the retina from the middle coat of the eyeball),
• Tumors such as retinoblastoma (cancerous growth of retinal cells) or melanoma (cancerous growth under the retina or other parts of the eye)
• Lesions in the orbit (the bony socket that protects the eye)
• Foreign bodies
• Inflammation

To avoid scratching the cornea, do not rub the anesthetized eye until the anesthetic wears off (about 15 minutes).