Real time ultrasound in the assessment of intraocular foreign bodies

The accurate detection and localisation of retained intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) is important in the planning of subsequent surgical management. Using a porcine eye model, the authors have compared the relative detection rates of real time ultrasonography and plain roentgenograms for a variety of IOFBs. With an overall detection rate of 93%, ultrasonography appears to be a considerably more sensitive investigative tool than plain roentgenograms (40%) for the imaging of IOFBs, particularly those that are non-metallic.