Use of the ERG and EOG in evaluating the effect of sleep deprivation on visual function in flying personnel

The electroretinogram (ERG) and electrooculogram (EOG) are electrophysiological tests employed in ophthalmology to diagnose degeneration or injury to the outer half of the retina, including the rods and cones of the visual system. This pilot study was undertaken to determine if sleep deprivation of more than 24 h in rated flying personnel may show an abnormality in retinal function as measured by the ERG and/or EOG. This may give insight to the visual function in flying personnel on deployment or other long missions where uninterrupted sleep may be a problem. The results of this study showed that some subjects deprived of sleep exhibited a statistically significant variance in their EOG ratios as compared to a nondeprived control group. No significant changes in ERG were detected. Principles and theory of electrophysiological testing in ophthalmology are presented.