How might a patient's movement during an ultrasound exam affect the imaging results?

When a patient moves during an ultrasound exam, it can lead to the creation of motion artifacts. These artifacts occur because ultrasound relies on precise timing and the detection of reflected sound waves to generate clear images. Movement disrupts this synchronization, making it difficult for the ultrasound machine to accurately capture the needed information from the tissues being imaged. This can result in blurred or distorted images, which compromise the overall quality of the ultrasound.

The examination of ocular structures relies heavily on the clarity of the images produced, as optimal visualization is essential for accurate diagnosis and assessment. Thus, motion artifacts significantly hinder the diagnostic process by obscuring the relevant anatomical details that need to be evaluated.