B-scan ultrasonography in the evaluation of retinal detachment.

The use of B-scan ultrasonography was first reported by Baum and Greenwood (I958), who described their results as equivalent to the first x rays. As they predicted, improvement in equipment and technique has led to increased resolution of ocular structure being obtained by B-scan ultrasonography. The clinical application of the B-scan has been described by Coleman and Jack (I973) and the reliability of diagnosis of retinal detachment placed at I00 per cent. (Coleman, 1972). Previous fears of ocular hazards and difficulties in technique (Ballantyne and Michaelson, 1970) have so far proved groundless. The purpose of this communication is two-fold: (a) To present the results of B-scan examination of the eye, using a standard ultrasonic machine, which has been designed primarily for abdominal and obstetric use and which should be available in most general hospitals; (b) To illustrate the usefulness of B-scan echography as an additional approach to the assessment of retinal detachment as a confirmatory or diagnostic aid.