[Running time of ultrasound in the distal portion of the optic nerve (author's transl)].

In 160 cross sectional ultrasonograms of normal optic nerves the double running time of ultrasound in 4.5-5 musec. The standard deviation is up to 1 musec. The conditions of measurement and the typical ultrasonographic patterns are discussed. These results are of value in the differential diagnostic of bilateral optic nerve lesions. Increased running time of ultrasound could be found in papilloedema due to neuritis, raised intracranial and intraorbital pressure, and in trauma and tumor. It can be decreased in optic atrophy.