Sophisticated instrumentation and ophthalmic ultrasonography

Abstract

Formerly, ophthalmic ultrasonography was leading in view of high-performance apparatuses and transducer probes: e.g., the first array-scanner in the world was built for ophthalmic use. Within the past 2 decades, however, high-tech innovations were merely developed for other medical specialties. These were studied in view of their use for ultrasonography of eye and orbit. The combination of B-scan and Doppler techniques facilitates detection of orbital vessels. The resolution of ophthalmic digital B-scan video images proved poorer than crt-B-scans. A digital memory, however, is advantageous. But one high-resolution crt-type B-scan needs more than one disc storage capacity. "Frontline digitalization" could help to reduce the amount of data. Array transducers are now available in small sizes and could better show structure movements, but they were not yet adapted to ophthalmic use. This applies as well to annular arrays and dynamic focusing. Different methods of 3-dimensional scanning and (Pseudo-) 3-dimensional imaging might renew Baum's and Coleman's early work.