B Scan Eye Ultrasound: When Doctors Use It and What Results Show

A b scan eye ultrasound uses sound waves to produce a 2D image of the eye’s structures. Vasan eye care uses this in cases of cataract, bleeding, trauma, or another internal eye issue that blocks a clean view of the retina. Also a tool for diagnosis, this ocular ultrasound is useful in the detection of retinal detachment, changes in the vitreous, intraocular masses, and other posterior segment issues. 

What Is a B Scan Eye Ultrasound?

A b scan eye ultrasound transmits high frequency sound waves to the eye which in turn record the returning echoes. Also unlike OCT this test does not require clear passage of light through the eye. The b scan ultrasonography eye is very useful when the retina can’t be seen directly. In case of vitreous hemorrhage ultrasound may help when blood doesn’t allow for a clear fundus view. When the retina remains visible, an oct eye test can show finer retinal-layer detail.

When Do Doctors Recommend the Test?

Doctors also order b scan eye ultrasounds for sudden vision loss, dense vitreous bleeding, suspected retinal detachment, eye trauma, or an unexplained intraocular mass. A retina b scan supplements, rather than replaces, a full eye exam.

A vitreous hemorrhage ultrasound is used when blood blocks the fundus view. Vasan Eye Care discusses that sudden painless visual loss or dense floaters which may be a symptom of this condition require evaluation. Diabetes may require diabetic retinopathy assessment, while flashes and floaters can overlap with posterior vitreous detachment symptoms.

What Happens During an Eye Ultrasound Test?

During the course of an eye ultrasound test which is also known as a B scan the patient will usually close their eye while the health care provider applies coupling gel and places the probe gently. The scan does not use ionizing radiation. In b scan eye ultrasound gets moving images in real time. An ocular ultrasound may also be done in combination with a dilated exam,  retina test, slit lamp study, or other retinal imaging. B scan is also very useful when there is an opacity which blocks direct view of the back of the eye.

What Can B-Scan Results Show?

A retina b scan will show if the retina is attached or has elevated, if blood or debris is present in the vitreous, and if a mass is present. b scan ultrasonography eye is to be interpreted with respect to symptoms and examination results instead of in isolation. 

In 2019 a study looked at 11 emergency department reports which included 844 patients and they found that point of care ocular ultrasound has 94.2% sensitivity and 96.3% specificity for retinal detachment. That said these are from emergency settings which may lack in specialist interpretation.

How Is B-Scan Different From OCT?

The b scan ultrasonography eye exam uses sound waves and also images through opaque media. OCT uses light and reports into fine retinal cross sections when the optical pathway is clear. A b scan eye ultrasound thus is of value when OCT eye exam or fundus photo does not give a useful view.

A retina b scan may complement hypertensive retinopathy grading or branch retinal vein occlusion treatment when bleeding limits visualisation. A vitreous hemorrhage ultrasound can be especially useful when haemorrhage prevents direct inspection of the retina.

When Is Urgent Assessment Needed?

Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. You may have new flashes, a large increase in floaters, a curtain like shadow, severe eye trauma, or a quick visual decline which may be a report of retinal or vitreous disease. Vasan eye care may do an eye ultrasound test to determine the cause of your issue but do not try to diagnose from the technical terms. If you have a suspected retinal detachment get in to see an ophthalmologist right away because delay in treatment may cause loss of vision.

Eye Care at Vasan Eye Care

Vasan Eye Care ophthalmologists may perform b scan eye ultrasound along with retinal examination and other imaging when the back of the eye is affected. Vasan eye care may choose ocular ultrasound or vitreous hemorrhage ultrasound based on symptoms, clinical results, and urgency. 

Retinal issues may also be evaluated through Vasan Eye Care’s retina services. An ophthalmologist will determine which imaging, monitoring, or urgent retinal care is appropriate. Persistent, sudden, or worsening vision changes should not be neglected. Patients may present for an ophthalmic exam at a Vasan Eye Care center when they develop new retinal or vitreous symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a b scan eye ultrasound painful?

A b scan eye ultrasound is well tolerated. The probe is often used over a closed eye lid with coupling gel so the exam usually doesn’t have direct eye contact and does not require a recovery period.

2. Can B-scan detect retinal detachment?

Yes. B scan ultrasonography eye imaging is a tool which may identify retinal detachment in cases where cataract or hemorrhage is present thus blocking the doctor’s view. The image results still require correlation with symptoms, examination results, and specialist interpretation. 

3. Why is ultrasound used for vitreous haemorrhage?

A vitreous hemorrhage ultrasound will look at structures which are hidden by blood. It may report retinal detachment, posterior vitreous changes, membranes, or some other abnormality that does not present itself in a routine fundus exam.

4. Is an eye ultrasound test the same as OCT?

No. An eye ultrasound test uses sound waves, and OCT which uses light to map individual retinal layers. For a retina b scan to be of use when cataract, blood, or some other opacity does not allow for clear optical imaging.

References

1. StatPearls — Vitreous Hemorrhage
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559131/?
2. Point-of-Care Ocular Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30636351/?