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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Guidelines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

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Riley Children's Health

Ocular Ultrasound

Ocular Ultrasound
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An ocular ultrasound measures the size and structure of the eye. At Riley at IU Health, your child’s ophthalmologist may suggest this test to detect retinal detachment, tumors or choroidal lesions. For children who have had an eye injury, an ocular ultrasound may be used in the emergency room to detect a globe rupture or foreign object in the eye. In addition, this may be used to check intracranial pressure, which can rise when the fluid around the brain or spine are affected by brain or spinal cord injuries or conditions.

There are two types of ocular ultrasounds:

  • A-scan. With an A-scan, the physician measures the eye to determine the corrective power of the lens used for cataract surgery. This is the most common reason for using ocular ultrasound.
  • B-scan. A B-scan looks at the inside of the eye, which might be difficult to see because of cataracts or other obstructions. A B-scan can detect retinal detachment, choroidal lesions or melanoma, foreign bodies, calcium and tumors.

Ocular ultrasounds take about 15 minutes. An ultrasound wand is placed against the front surface of the eye or the eyelids. High-frequency sound waves travel through the eye, and the echoes from the sound waves form a picture.

What to Expect

What to Expect

It is not necessary to bring anything or take any steps to prepare for an ocular ultrasound. Numbing drops are placed in your child’s eyes. To get the best image, your child may be asked to look in different directions.

For the A-scan, a probe is placed against the front of the eye. If your child is having a B-scan, a gel is placed on the eyelids, and the test is done with the eyes closed.

Your child should not feel any discomfort or pain since the eyes are numb.

The numbing medication should wear off in about 15 minutes. During this time, your child should avoid rubbing the eyes to protect the cornea from being scratched.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • An ocular ultrasound looks at the eye and measures its size and structure.
  • Your child’s doctor may suggest this test if your child has cataracts or to detect retinal detachment, tumors or choroidal lesions.
  • An ocular ultrasound may also be used in an emergency room for evaluation purposes after an eye injury.
  • For this test, an ultrasound wand is placed against the front surface of the eye or the eyelids, and the echoes from sound waves form a picture of the eye.
  • The test lasts about 15 minutes, and your child should not have any discomfort or pain.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

This professional organization publishes content to educate ophthalmologists and the general public about eye care, including an article about ocular ultrasound.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Spring Mill Medical Office Building

Pediatric Ophthalmology
200 W 103rd St
Indianapolis, IN 46290

317.688.3800

Get Directions

View location information

Indiana America Office Parke

Ophthalmology
555 E County Line Rd
Greenwood, IN 46143

317.817.1333

Get Directions

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Related Conditions & Departments

Related Conditions & Departments

Departments

  • Ophthalmology

Conditions

  • Ocular & Eyelid Trauma
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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