Tissue characterization by computerized ultrasonic spectral analysis. Ocular tissues

Mathematical evaluation techniques to determine the calibrated power spectrum of reflected ultrasonic echoes from tissues involved by various ocular diseases can be used with a clinical computer system to objectively classify retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhagic membrane. Tissue tructures can be acoustically stained in B-mode images to define the specific anatomic and structural properties that provide the acoustic differentiation. These data are obtained under in vivo conditions, and allow a noninvasive differentiation of intraocular membranes in a way not previously possible, aiding in the definitive diagnosis of intraocular diseases as well as in the planning and monitoring of treatment.