B-mode ocular and orbital ultrasound, with ocular Doppler ultrasound if needed
Eye ultrasound in Casablanca
An eye ultrasound uses ultrasound to examine the inside of the eye and the orbit, through the closed eyelid. It is useful when the back of the eye (fundus) cannot be seen, for example behind a dense cataract or bleeding. The exam is done without X-rays and without direct contact with the cornea, usually at the request of the ophthalmologist. With Doppler, it can also study blood flow in the arteries that supply the eye.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 10 to 20 minutes for both eyes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Cataract or vitreous hemorrhage (the vitreous is the gel that fills the eye) hiding the retina.
- Suspected retinal detachment, tumor or foreign body.
- Sudden loss of vision of vascular origin, with Doppler.
- Bulging eye or swelling of the orbit, to be investigated.
- Follow-up of a known spot or mass at the back of the eye, to measure its thickness.
How the exam is done
You lie down or sit with your head supported, and close your eyes. A gel is placed on the eyelid and the probe is placed on it without pressing. The doctor sometimes asks you to look in several directions, with your eyelids closed, to make the contents of the eye move.
The doctor scans the eye in several planes and watches the image in real time: this lets them see the vitreous or a detached retina move. If a Doppler is planned, they also record blood flow in the vessels behind the eye. Both eyes are often examined, for comparison. At the end, the gel is gently wiped off with a gauze pad; rinse your eye with clean water if it stings a little.
Preparation
- Remove your contact lenses and come without eye makeup.
- Bring your glasses and the list of eye drops you use.
- An older or visually impaired person can come with someone to help them get settled.
Fasting
You do not need to fast. Take your treatments, including eye drops, as usual.
Contrast injection
Nothing is injected, Doppler included.
Contraindications and precautions
- Eye wound or recent eye surgery: please tell us; the exam is then adapted or postponed.
- No contraindication: the ultrasound is set to low power for the eye.
- Possible metal foreign body, for example after metalwork: tell us, because MRI is then ruled out.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the ophthalmologist
- Report from your last ophthalmology visit
- Imaging exams of the eye or orbit already done
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt the eye?
No. The probe is placed on the closed eyelid with a gel, without touching the eye directly. You only feel a light contact.
Why an ultrasound rather than a fundus exam?
When a cataract or bleeding prevents light from passing through the eye, ultrasound waves still get through and show the retina.
Can I drive after the exam?
Usually yes: the exam does not require drops to dilate the pupil. If the ophthalmologist put some in before, have someone come with you.
Is a CT scan or MRI sometimes needed?
Yes, for the orbit or the optic nerve. If a metal foreign body is possible, a CT scan is preferred, because MRI is then contraindicated.
Do I have to keep my eyes closed throughout the exam?
Yes, your eyelids stay closed. The doctor only asks you to move your eyes in certain directions, without opening them, to get a better view of the retina and the vitreous.
Can it show a retinal detachment?
Yes, this is one of its main indications when the back of the eye cannot be seen. It can usually tell a retinal detachment apart from a simple vitreous detachment, which guides the ophthalmologist.