WHEN LIGHT FAILS, SOUND PREVAILS” THE DIAGNOSTIC EDGE OF B-SCAN IN OCULAR OPAQUE MEDIA

Abstract

Clear ocular media is the first condition to reach a diagnosis in ocular pathologies. In some conditions, the examination cannot be performed as the media is opaque, and the only solution relies on the B-scan ultrasonography. The utilization of high-frequency ultrasonic waves represents a two-dimensional sketch of the posterior segment and orbit as well, helping in the diagnosis of ocular pathologies that can be missed easily. The inability of the human eye to see through the opaque media before any surgical or non-surgical management may create unsolvable scenarios for final visual outcomes. Through B scanning, we can not only diagnose the hidden pathologies in the posterior segment, but it also helps in the research of diverse conditions of the posterior segment, which can be documented for further references. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study is performed in the OPD of the Ophthalmology Department of a Tertiary care hospital, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar on all those patients who presented with Opaque media and where the examination of the Fundus was not possible. The findings on B-scans are correlated clinically for the management of all the patients. The Data is entered in a predefined proforma and statistically analyzed through SPSS version 25. Result: A total of 105 patients of both genders and of age groups between 1 day to 85 years were included in the study. The most frequent age was less than 10 years followed by age of the patients above 50 years. The male frequency was 58.1. The visual acuity was CF close to eye in more than 70% of patients. In 52.4% of patient the mature cataract was the pathologies causing the opaque media. In 65.7 % of the patients, the fundus view was not visible. The leading pathology seen on B scan was retinal detachment in 12.4%. Conclusion: The finding of B-scan ultrasonography is one of the most important and helpful tools for the management and counseling of patients with opaque media