A-scan and B-scan ultrasounds, also known as eye and orbit ultrasounds, respectively, are types of diagnostic imaging tests used to measure size and structures of the eye. These tests allow ophthalmologists to look at the inside of the eye or behind the eye, which, under normal circumstances would not be visible.

A and B-scan ultrasound testing can reveal a wide range of retinal disorders and risks to eyesight. Ultrasound testing is commonly recommended for retinal diseases and eye conditions including:

• Retinal detachment
• Retinal tears
• Cataract
• Tumours
• Chorodial nevus
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Diabetic retinopathy

Both A and B-scan ultrasounds are completely painless. The patient’s eye is numbed with anaesthetic eye drops while the ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that travel through the eye and reflect back providing an image of the eye’s structure.

Ultrasound examinations take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Information collected during the examination is recorded by Calgary Retina Consultants and saved in the patient’s records for future use. All patient records are strictly confidential.