Abstract
The principles of diagnostic methods, indications, effectivity and related issues have been well covered in both academic and professional publications. This paper addresses those issues which have generally been regarded as relatively unimportant, and draws attention to the need to more thoroughly understand the physical properties of ultrasound. Properties such as: propagation, reflection, refraction and attenuation.; and the resolving power related to wave velocity are highlighted. Two methods: the pulse and the Dopler methods are discussed. The paper discusses the characteristics of the ultrasound image on typical intraocular and orbital disorders. Emphasis is given to the importance of scanning in multiple directions with a reduced sensitivity setting of amplification. In orbital scanning comparison of the opposite side is also vitally important. The fundamental concept of special examination techniques used in A-mode is discussed along with the adaptations required in B-mode examinations. Finally, the ultrasonic biomicroscopy (which has contributed to the analysis of lesions behind the iris and around the ciliary body) and Doppler color flow imaging with a contrasting agent are discussed.
