[What's new in B-scan ultrasound? (author's transl)].

B-mode ultrasound has only really become common and easy to perform vs. immersion techniques since 1972 when contact B-scan was introduced in ophthalmology. Ocular exploration became easier and more complete, especially as far as topographic evaluation is concerned. B-scan allows accurate diagnoses in the pathology of the optic nerve head and an easy evaluation of the size of recti muscles, whereas quantitative data are still better obtained with A-mode. The best solution at present seems to be to use both methods until gray-scales improve enough for B-scan to be used alone.