Which ocular pathology can be definitively diagnosed using ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound imaging is an invaluable tool in ophthalmology, especially for diagnosing certain ocular pathologies. Retinal tears can be definitively diagnosed using ultrasound imaging because this modality allows for visualization of the posterior segment of the eye where the retina is located. Through techniques such as B-scan ultrasonography, clinicians can identify abnormalities such as detachment, tears, or holes in the retina that may not be visible through direct examination or other imaging methods.

In contrast, conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts are typically assessed through clinical examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) rather than ultrasound. Macular degeneration involves alterations in the retina that can often be visualized with other imaging techniques, while cataracts are best evaluated via slit-lamp examination. Conjunctivitis, primarily an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva, is also diagnosed based on visual assessment and symptoms rather than requiring ultrasound.

Therefore, the use of ultrasound is particularly effective in confirming the presence of retinal tears, making it the definitive choice among the listed options for diagnosis through this imaging technique.