Name of the Procedure:

Ophthalmic Ultrasound, Diagnostic; Anterior Segment Ultrasound, Immersion (Water Bath) B-Scan or High-Resolution Biomicroscopy, Unilateral or Bilateral

Summary

An ophthalmic ultrasound using immersion (water bath) for the anterior segment is a diagnostic imaging technique. It helps visualize the front part of the eye in high resolution, using ultrasound waves and a water bath to enhance image clarity.

Purpose

The procedure primarily addresses conditions and abnormalities of the anterior segment of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens. It aims to provide detailed images to aid in diagnosing and planning treatment for various eye conditions.

Indications

• Unexplained pain or vision loss
• Trauma to the eye
• Assessment of tumors or growths
• Evaluation of corneal thickness and clarity
• Confirmation of cataract status

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to remove contact lenses and avoid eye makeup.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Patients should inform their doctor of any eye infections or recent surgeries.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to the eye.
2. A water bath apparatus is placed over the eye to create a medium that enhances sound wave transmission.
3. An ultrasound probe is gently moved over the water bath covering the eye.
4. The device emits sound waves, which are reflected back and captured to create high-resolution images of the anterior segment.
5. The entire eye can be scanned, and images are displayed on a screen for real-time analysis.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized ophthalmology center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or specialized ultrasound technician
• Nurse or medical assistant

Risks and Complications

• Mild discomfort or pressure sensation
• Rare risk of infection
• Temporary blurred vision or irritation due to the water bath or anesthetic

Benefits

• Non-invasive and painless
• Provides high-resolution images for accurate diagnosis
• Helps in planning appropriate treatment strategies
• Quick and efficient with immediate results

Recovery

• No significant recovery time needed; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Temporary blurry vision may occur but typically resolves within a few hours.
• Patients should follow up with their ophthalmologist for further analysis based on the results.

Alternatives

• Traditional ultrasound techniques without immersion
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Anterior segment photography
• Each alternative has its own advantages; however, immersion ultrasound provides superior tissue differentiation and image clarity.

Patient Experience

Patients might feel a mild pressure or a cool sensation from the water bath. The procedure is otherwise painless. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal, and any temporary blurriness is managed with standard comfort measures.