[Analysis of echographic findings in 745 cases (author's transl)]

A-mode echography was performed on 745 patients of the University of Jordan, Amman, to exclude intraocular tumor in cases of retinal detachment, to localize foreign bodies in the eye and orbit, to evaluate eyes with opaque refracting media, and to discover the causes of exophthalmus. The equipment provided reliable information about the different ocular and orbital disorders. Abnormal echograms were found in about 48% of the patients who had opaque refractive media, hyphema, or occlusion of the pupil. Therefore, when the retina is intact, an improvement in visual acuity can be expected in only 52% of patients after perforating keratoplasty, visual iridectomy or cataract operation. The other 48% may need further procedures such as vitrectomy or retinal detachment surgery. Echography, therefore, serves the ophthalmologist as a guide in choosing the surgical procedure and predicting the probable outcome of surgery.