How does ultrasound differentiate between tumors and other lesions in the eye?

Ultrasound differentiates between tumors and other lesions in the eye primarily by assessing the echogenicity and vascularity of the mass. Echogenicity refers to how well a mass reflects ultrasound waves, which can indicate its composition. For instance, solid tumors typically present as hypoechoic or hyperechoic compared to surrounding tissue, while cystic lesions may appear anechoic due to fluid content.

Vascularity plays a crucial role as well; tumors often have increased blood flow, which can be detected through Doppler ultrasound. This characteristic helps in distinguishing neoplasms, which require a blood supply for growth, from non-vascular lesions such as simple cysts or other benign conditions.

While the shape of the mass can provide some information regarding its nature, it is not as definitive as the insights gained from echogenicity and vascularity. Additionally, the patient's age and visual acuity tests do not provide objective criteria for differentiating types of lesions, making them less relevant in this context. Hence, the assessment of echogenicity and vascularity is essential for accurate characterization of eye lesions through ultrasound imaging.