Real-Time Ultrasound Elastographic Imaging of Ocular and Periocular Tissues: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study examines the value of ultrasound elastography for the examination of ocular and periocular structures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Five patients, aged 22 to 75 years, who each had one blind eye were included. Patients underwent ultrasound elastography of their blind eye and periocular tissues using a 7–13 MHz probe. Strain grayscale and color-coded elastographic maps were recorded. In the former, a quantitative assessment of signal intensity (corresponding to elastic properties) for specific anatomical structures was performed. RESULTS: Anterior vitreous displayed intermediate elasticity, whereas posterior vitreous displayed low elasticity. Medial and lateral rectus muscle elasticity was higher in primary position than in adduction or abduction. CONCLUSION: The pattern of elastic imaging in the vitreous cavity could be attributed to posterior vitreous detachment, whereas that of medial and lateral rectus muscles may be related to the level of muscle fiber strain. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:135–141.]