Point-of-care ultrasound view

POCUS View

Ocular Ultrasound

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Use a high-frequency linear probe with the patient supine and the eye closed. Apply a generous layer of gel over the closed eyelid and rest the probe gently on the gel without pressing on the globe. Image the globe in transverse and sagittal planes, and have the patient move the eye to evaluate the posterior chamber, the retina, and the optic nerve, adjusting depth and gain to visualize the posterior segment.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Retinal Detachment

Echogenic membrane in the posterior vitreous tethered to the optic disc on ocular point-of-care ultrasound
Rule in
Very helpful
Rule out
Very helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Gottlieb M, Holladay D, Peksa GD. Point-of-Care Ocular Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acad Emerg Med. 2019;26(8):931-939. doi:10.1111/acem.13682. PMID 30636351. PROSPERO CRD42018097288. QUADAS-2 risk-of-bias assessment.
  • Blaivas M, Theodoro D, Sierzenski PR. A study of bedside ocular ultrasonography in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med. 2002;9(8):791-799.
  • Soni NJ, Arntfield R, Kory P. Point of Care Ultrasound. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Related Diagnoses

Retinal Detachment

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Swinging Flashlight Test
aka Alternating light test
Rule in:IERhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (Extensive / Macula-off), IEUnilateral or Asymmetric Optic Neuropathy (E.g., Optic Neuritis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy)
Rule out:IERhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment (Extensive / Macula-off), IEUnilateral or Asymmetric Optic Neuropathy (E.g., Optic Neuritis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Ophthalmoscopy
aka Fundoscopy
Rule in:VHGlaucoma, SHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more
Rule out:SHGlaucoma, MHDiabetic Retinopathy, MHIncreased Intracranial Pressure +13 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Pupillary Light Reaction
Rule in:IEAnticholinergic Toxicity, IECholinergic Toxicity, IECranial Nerve III Palsy +7 more
Rule out:IEAnticholinergic Toxicity, IECholinergic Toxicity, IECranial Nerve III Palsy +7 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Visual Acuity
Rule in:VHRefractive Error
Rule out:HRefractive Error
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Visual Field Testing
Rule in:HVisual Field Defect
Rule out:SHVisual Field Defect
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Alternate Cover Test (Test of Skew)
aka Cross-cover test
Rule in:IEPeripheral Vestibular Dysfunction, IEPosterior Circulation Stroke
Rule out:IEPeripheral Vestibular Dysfunction, IEPosterior Circulation Stroke