Which ocular structure appears as a hyper-echoic band on ultrasound?

The sclera appears as a hyper-echoic band on ultrasound due to its dense collagen composition, which reflects sound waves effectively. This high echogenicity means that the sclera will appear bright on an ultrasound image. The sclera serves as the outer protective layer of the eyeball and provides structural support, making it a key structure to identify during ocular imaging.

In contrast, other ocular structures have different echogenic properties. The retina, for example, typically has varying echogenicity and may not show up as distinctly hyper-echoic as the sclera. The cornea, being more fluid-like and less dense, also does not exhibit hyper-echoic characteristics. The vitreous body, which is gel-like and less dense than the sclera, likewise does not display the hyper-echoic band appearance and instead appears more echogenic compared to the surrounding structures but is still not as bright as the sclera.

Thus, the unique echogenic profile of the sclera makes it the correct answer to this question regarding the appearance of structures on ultrasound imaging of the eye.