What is the significance of refraction in ocular ultrasound?

Refraction plays a crucial role in ocular ultrasound by allowing for better imaging of curved surfaces. In the context of ocular structures, which often have complex, curved geometries, understanding how sound waves interact with these surfaces is vital. When sound waves encounter curved tissues in the eye, refraction helps to alter the path of these waves, providing more accurate information about the boundaries and characteristics of the tissues being examined.

This improved imaging capability is essential for diagnostic accuracy, enabling sonographers to delineate structures such as the lens, cornea, and various layers of the retina with greater clarity. By accounting for the refraction that occurs at these curved interfaces, sonographers can obtain more useful data, leading to better assessment and treatment planning for ocular conditions.