What is the purpose of using Doppler ultrasound in ophthalmology?

The primary purpose of using Doppler ultrasound in ophthalmology is to assess blood flow in ocular structures. This technique allows clinicians to visualize and measure the velocity of blood flow through the blood vessels in the eye, including those feeding the retina and other important ocular tissues. By utilizing Doppler ultrasound, practitioners can gain insights into various conditions that affect ocular blood supply, such as retinal vascular occlusions, choroidal neovascularization, and other vascular abnormalities. This measurement can provide valuable information about the health and function of the ocular microvascular system.

When evaluating the other options, measuring intraocular pressure typically utilizes tonometry rather than Doppler ultrasound, making it an unsuitable choice. While evaluating retinal thickness is primarily done through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and not Doppler ultrasound, and detecting glaucoma progression relies on various diagnostic modalities including visual field assessments and optic nerve imaging, Doppler ultrasound excels specifically in quantifying blood flow dynamics.