Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Practice Test 2025 - Free COT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ultrasonography is the most suitable imaging technique for patients with cataracts that obscure the view of the retina. Cataracts can significantly limit the ability to visualize the internal structures of the eye, particularly the retina, using traditional examination methods or imaging modalities that require direct line of sight, such as direct fundus examination or optical coherence tomography.

Ultrasonography, on the other hand, employs sound waves to create images of the eye’s internal structures without relying on light transmission or a clear optical medium. This makes it effective for assessing conditions such as detachment, tumors, or even the posterior segment of the eye when cataracts obstruct direct visualization. Therefore, ultrasonography provides valuable information in cases where cataracts hinder other forms of imaging and examination.

In contrast, direct fundus examination relies on having a clear view to assess the retina, which is not possible in the presence of significant cataracts. Optical coherence tomography also requires clear optical pathways, thus limiting its effectiveness in such scenarios. Fluorescein imaging involves the injection of a dye and photographing the retina, but again, cataracts would obstruct the view and make this approach impractical.