Ultrasound Biomicroscopy for Ophthalmology– An Overview

Abstract

BACKGROUND Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a non-invasive procedure to visualise the structures of the anterior segment using high frequency ultrasound. Any abnormalities in the structures like the iris, ciliary body and zonules can be easily detected. In case of corneal oedema, the Descemet's membrane can be detected with UBM than the slit-lamp biomicroscopy. It plays a useful diagnostic tool in glaucoma. It differentiates between open and closed angle closure. It also helps in the diagnosis of plateau iris configuration and malignant glaucoma. Bleb status and tenon's cyst can be visualized by the UBM. It plays a major role to rule out angle recession or cyclodialysis cleft in cases of trauma. Zonular dialysis and iridodialysis as well as the integrity of the posterior capsule can be assessed with UBM. It is the only modality which can easily diagnose pars plannits or cyclitic membranes noninvasively. In cases of unexplained hypotony, it helps to diagnose ciliary body atrophy or traction on the ciliary body. This article is a short overview describing the indications and uses of anterior segment pathologies.