Three-dimensional ultrasound findings of the posterior iris region

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of the three-dimensional ultrasound biomicroscopy in examination of the posterior iris and ciliary body. Methods: Three-dimensional visualisation of the anterior eye section was achieved through extension of the existing ultrasound biomicroscope system (Humphrey Instruments). Visualisation of posterior iris and ciliary body pathologies in three patients was performed with a three-dimensional reconstruction technique of B-scans. Results: The extended ultrasound system provided three-dimensional visualisation of alterations of the posterior iris region, i.e. iris cysts, ciliary body cysts and solid tumours of the ciliary body and iris. Conclusions: The three-dimensional ultrasound biomicroscopy yields extended diagnostic findings regarding iris and ciliary body pathology. This method offers an improved assessment of the posterior surface of the iris and the volume of the ciliary body. Furthermore, these data can be useful for procedures in computer simulation and calculation for a better understanding of the function of the ciliary body in the accommodation process.