Which imaging modality is often combined with ultrasound for comprehensive eye assessment?

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique often used in ophthalmology to obtain high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and anterior segment of the eye. When combined with ultrasound, OCT provides complementary information, enhancing the overall assessment of various ocular conditions.

Ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating structures like the vitreous and optic nerve, especially in cases where the media is opaque, such as in dense cataracts or vitreous hemorrhages. Meanwhile, OCT offers detailed insights into the layers of the retina, allowing for the detection of macular diseases, glaucoma, and other retinal pathologies. The synergy between these two modalities helps in achieving a thorough examination, guiding diagnosis and management effectively.

Other imaging modalities, while valuable in their own right, do not provide the same complementary insights specific to ocular assessment in conjunction with ultrasound. For instance, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more suited for evaluating orbital structures and other related conditions but lack the same detailed analysis of retinal layers that OCT provides. X-ray imaging is not typically utilized in eye assessments, as it does not offer the level of detail required for evaluating ocular structures.