Ultrasound Applications in Ophthalmology: A Review

Ultrasound is a powerful tool in ophthalmology with a wide range of physical effects that can interact with biological tissue. This ranges from low-intensity linear transducers for diagnosis to high-intensity pulsed or continuous focused ultrasound for therapy. Designing devices for ophthalmological applications requires creating fine focal spots, minimizing heating, and accounting for eye movements. Ultrasound is essential for ophthalmologists to provide accurate diagnosis and quantitative information on tissue composition and blood flow. Ultrasound has revolutionized cataract surgery, making it less invasive and in an outpatient basis, while enhancing the safety and predictability of glaucoma treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound. The article aims to review the complex and multifaceted bioeffects of ultrasound used in ophthalmology, and its current and future applications of ultrasound in ophthalmology, notably regarding cavitation-mediated drug delivery.