[Duplex sonography in ophthalmology: current approaches to research and perspectives]

Duplex ultrasound imaging combines the investigation of morphological structures and hemodynamic data analysis. In ophthalmology the technique permits a non-invasive evaluation of retinal and orbital vascular disorders for diagnostic purposes as well as the quantitative measurement of vascularity in intraocular and orbital tumors. We present current approaches to quantitate velocity patterns in the ophthalmic and retinal artery by Duplex ultrasound imaging. Results and clinical applications of Duplex ultrasonography studies designed to characterize the vascular network in intraocular and orbital tumors are reviewed.