What does B-scan ultrasound help to visualize?

B-scan ultrasound is an essential tool in ophthalmology that helps visualize the internal structures of the eye. This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create cross-sectional images, allowing practitioners to assess various components, such as the vitreous cavity, retina, and optic nerve. It is particularly useful in cases where the view of the interior of the eye is obscured, such as in the presence of cataracts or other opacities that hinder direct observation.

The other options refer to aspects of the eye that are not typically evaluated using B-scan ultrasound. For instance, while the outer structure of the eye may include areas like the conjunctiva and sclera, these regions are often assessed through direct observation rather than with B-scan imaging. Similarly, while the cornea and lens are crucial components of the eye, B-scan is not focused on these structures, as other techniques like anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) or slit-lamp examination provide more detailed information about them. Lastly, the surface of the retina is more effectively examined through methods such as fundus photography or OCT, which provide high-resolution images of the retinal surface rather than the deeper internal structures assessed by B-scan ultrasound.