Ultrasonography is an in-office, non-invasive procedure that images the inside and back of the eye using sound waves. This test is often employed when the view to the middle or back of the eye is difficult, such as with a dense cataract or vitreous hemorrhage (blood inside the eye).  In addition, this test is helpful in measuring the thickness of lesions inside the eye.

The test is performed without anesthesia.  The patient is asked to close his/her eye and a coupling gel is placed on the probe and the eyelid.  The probe is then gently placed on the eyelid and the images are acquired.  Because ultrasound uses sound waves, there are no risks to this procedure.