New development in clinical ultrasound

Since more than 40 years ultrasound is used as a clinical tool in diagnostics. In the early years mainly used in cardiology it has now become standard in many fields including ophthalmology. In the eye the technique has been used to visualize all tissues and to quantify blood velocities in retrobulbar vessels. In the recent years the technique saw many innovations that have so far only partially transferred to the eye: Four-dimensional scanners yield three-dimensional volumetric images. In addition, new approaches came up allowing for quantitative measurement of tissue biomechanical properties. Transversal resolution has been improved using high-frequency imaging. Finally therapeutic applications include drug delivery that may also be applicable to the eye.