Ophthalmic Ultrasound Systems
Ophthalmic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to measure and image ocular structures that light-based instruments cannot always reach. The category spans several distinct modalities: A-scan biometry for axial-length measurement and IOL power calculation, ultrasound pachymetry for corneal thickness, B-scan imaging for cross-sectional views of the posterior segment when cataract or hemorrhage clouds the media, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for high-resolution imaging of the anterior chamber angle, ciliary body, and iris. Choosing the right ultrasound starts with the exams your practice or lab actually performs.
As a US-based ophthalmic equipment provider, we carry ultrasound systems across this full range, including our own Ezer line and trusted brands such as Tomey, and back every unit with a US warranty, in-house technical service, and a dedicated spare-parts and repair department. Whether you need a dedicated A-scan biometer for a cataract clinic or a combined A/B and UBM platform for a complete diagnostic workup, our team helps you match the configuration to your clinical needs and keeps it running for years.
How to choose an ophthalmic ultrasound
- Modalities you need: Decide whether you need A-scan biometry, pachymetry, B-scan imaging, UBM, or a combination. Single-purpose units such as a dedicated A-scan biometer or a standalone pachymeter keep things simple and affordable, while combined A/B or UBM-capable platforms consolidate several exams into one device. Map the purchase to the studies you perform most.
- Measurement technique: contact vs immersion: Contact applanation biometry is fast but can compress the cornea and slightly shorten the axial-length reading. Immersion technique places a fluid standoff between probe and cornea to avoid that compression, giving readings closer to true and better repeatability. If premium IOL outcomes matter, favor a unit that supports immersion.
- IOL calculation software: For biometers, review which formulas and lens databases are built in and whether they fit your surgeons. Integrated IOL power calculation, editable lens constants, and data export streamline the cataract workflow and reduce transcription error.
- Media opacity and posterior pathology: When cataracts are dense or the media is opaque from vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment, a B-scan is what lets you image the posterior segment that optical devices cannot see through. UBM adds high-frequency anterior-segment imaging for angle assessment, cysts and tumors, trauma, and IOL or haptic localization.
- Form factor and portability: Handheld and tablet-style portable systems suit multi-lane clinics, satellite offices, and mobile use, while console workstations suit high-volume diagnostic settings. Also consider probe options and whether the platform is modular so you can add modalities later instead of replacing the whole unit.
- Service, warranty, and support: An ultrasound probe is a precision component that needs calibration and eventual replacement. Buying from a provider with in-house repair, genuine spare parts, and a US warranty protects uptime and long-term value far more than the sticker price alone.
Featured ophthalmic ultrasound models
Our ultrasound lineup runs from dedicated single-purpose instruments to full multi-modality platforms. Below are representative models we carry. The modular Tomey UD-800, a B-scan-first system with optional biometry, pachymetry, UBM, and A-scan diagnosis, is also available for practices that want to build up capability over time.
| Model | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ezer EUS-1800 A | A-scan biometer | Dedicated axial-length biometry for IOL power calculation |
| Ezer EUS-1800 P | Ultrasound pachymeter | Corneal thickness for glaucoma and refractive screening |
| Ezer EUS-1800 AP | A-scan biometer + pachymeter | Cataract practices wanting biometry and pachymetry in one compact unit |
| Ezer EUS-2600 | Portable A/B scanner | Combined A-scan and B-scan diagnostic imaging on one platform |
| Ezer EUS-2600 UBM | UBM + A/B scanner | Anterior-segment biomicroscopy plus conventional A/B ultrasound |
| Tomey AL-4000 | Handheld biometer + pachymeter | Portable point-of-care biometry with contact and immersion modes |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an A-scan and a B-scan? An A-scan sends a single sound beam along one axis and displays echoes as spikes, which is how it measures distances such as axial length for IOL power calculation. A B-scan sweeps the beam to build a two-dimensional cross-section of the eye, used to visualize the posterior segment, especially when a dense cataract or hemorrhage blocks the view. Many practices use both, and combined A/B systems provide them in a single platform.
When do I need UBM instead of a standard ophthalmic ultrasound? UBM uses a much higher-frequency transducer, around 50 MHz on the Ezer EUS-2600 UBM, to produce detailed cross-sections of the anterior segment: the angle, ciliary body, posterior iris, and zonules, structures a standard 10 MHz probe cannot resolve. It is valued in glaucoma work such as angle-closure and plateau-iris evaluation, anterior-segment tumors and cysts, trauma, and IOL or haptic localization. Standard A/B ultrasound remains the tool for axial length and posterior-segment imaging.
If I already have optical biometry, do I still need ultrasound biometry? Yes, as a complement. Optical biometers are fast and non-contact but cannot obtain a reading through very dense or mature cataracts and some opaque media. An ultrasound A-scan biometer measures axial length in exactly those eyes, so many cataract practices keep one on hand as a reliable backup for the cases an optical device cannot capture.
Is contact or immersion biometry more accurate? Immersion technique places a fluid standoff between the probe and cornea, avoiding the corneal compression that contact applanation can cause, so it typically yields axial lengths closer to true with more repeatable results. Contact is quicker and adequate for routine cases, while practices pursuing premium refractive outcomes often prefer immersion. Some units, such as the Tomey AL-4000, support both modes.
Do you sell new and refurbished units, and are they supported? We offer new systems and, when available, professionally reconditioned ultrasound units, and both are backed by our US warranty and in-house service department. Because we stock spare parts and service these devices ourselves, we can advise whether new or refurbished is the better fit for your budget and usage, and support the unit throughout its life. Request a quote and our team will help you configure the right ophthalmic ultrasound for your practice.
