Role of point of care ultrasound in the diagnosis of retinal detachment in the emergency department

Abstract

Ocular complaints represent up to 3% of all emergency department (ED) visits. These presentations can result in permanent vision loss if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Recently, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has been investigated for the evaluation of ocular pathology in the ED. Multiple studies have investigated the role that ultrasound may play in the early diagnosis of these patients. Ocular ultrasound can be used to visualize the structures of the eye and evaluate for pathology such as retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage and vitreous detachment. This comprehensive review aims to present current evidence for the efficacy and reliability of ED ocular ultrasound use in the detection of retinal detachment and additional ocular pathologies.