Ocular Ultrasound—Point of Care Imaging of the Eye

Point of care sonography is a useful tool in the evaluation of both medical and traumatic ocular conditions. Traditional ocular evaluation including fundoscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging involves significant patient cooperation, radiation exposure, and/or transfer of sometimes critically ill patients. Sonography is safe, does not utilize radiation and is done at the patient's bedside. Imaging is done through the closed eyelids which permit sonographic ocular examination even with significant eyelid edema and limited patient cooperation. The nature of the fluid filled eye allows for assessment of the anterior and posterior chambers, and even behind the eye itself to assess for increased intracranial pressure.