Ocular and orbital echography.

Diagnostic ultrasound is a noninvasive, well tolerated, safe procedure with no toxicity which aids the ophthalmologist by demonstrating the integrity of the intraocular contents or the presence of tumors, retinal detachments, vitreous membranes or hemorrhage, foreign bodies or other structural changes in eyes with opaque media which cannot be adequately evaluated optically. Orbital mass lesions and inflammatory changes can be demonstrated and ultrasonic evaluation should be utilized early in the diagnostic evaluation of exophthalmus in combination with other radiographic techniques. The ultrasound examination does require a certain technical skill and experience in interpretation as well as judgment in order for it to be a reliable diagnostic test.