Ocular ultrasound: a clinical review for the medicine-trained intensivist.

Ultrasound can be used as an adjunct by the medical intensivist to diagnose a wide range of pathology in the intensive care unit. Ocular ultrasound's strengths include accessibility, safety profile and familiarity for the intensivist. Estimation of intracranial pressure through optic nerve sheath diameter may be of particular utility. Other applications include its role as a tool in the creation of a differential diagnosis for vision loss both spontaneously and in trauma. Ocular ultrasound does not replace consultation with an ophthalmologist and/or neurologist, or other forms of advanced neuroimaging, but it does provide a quick and safe evaluation while the intensivist is deciding the best course for their patient's ocular complaint.