A patient with suspected open globe injury presents to the emergency department. The primary ophthalmic investigation of choice to assess the posterior segment without risking further damage is:

• A A-scan ultrasonography
• B Optical coherence tomography
• C Fundus fluorescein angiography
• D B-scan ultrasonography ✓

Explanation

B-scan ultrasonography is the investigation of choice for assessing the posterior segment in an open globe injury or when the media is opaque (corneal oedema, hyphema, vitreous haemorrhage), as it can be performed with minimal contact pressure and evaluates vitreoretinal status, retinal detachment, intraocular foreign bodies, and choroidal detachment without risking extrusion of ocular contents. A-scan measures axial length only; OCT and FFA require clear media and risk manipulation of an open globe.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.