Using point-of-care ultrasound in ocular emergencies: A mini review

As a diagnostic aid in emergency services, ultrasound has expanded considerably in recent years. Among its applications, ocular ultrasonography allows for a better evaluation of patients with ophthalmological emergencies. In addition, it provides a simple and easy technique to obtain clinical information that may not be easily accessible either through the clinical examination or by using the ophthalmoscope. Ocular ultrasonography can help to diagnose hemorrhage and retinal detachment and/or vitreous, eye infections, foreign bodies, retrobulbar hematomas, papilledema, and eye trauma. By measuring the diameter of the optic nerve sheath, intracranial hypertension could be screened. This article reviewed the approach to eye exam by ultrasound and common ophthalmic pathologies diagnosed with ultrasound in the emergency department.