Real time ophthalmic ultrasonography.

Material from three years of experience with a real time contact ophthalmic scanner is presented. Routine screening of patients with cataracts revealed unsuspected retinal detachments and advanced vitreous hemorrhage in a significant percentage. Foreign bodies near the posterior ocular wall were optimally evaluated by both radiographic and ultrasonic localization methods to avoid the inherent error of the x-ray triangulation system. The traumatized eye may be effectively studied for internal damage by using a thick layer of methyl cellulose without putting pressure on the globe. Many types of vitreous and retinal pathology may be confirmed or better evaluated by this simple, noninvasive technique.