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Transient reduction in retinal function revealed by multifocal electroretinogram after photodynamic therapy
Timothy Y Y Lai1, Wai-Man Chan, Dennis S C Lam
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, 147K Argyle Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 6, 2004
Summary
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) temporarily impairs retinal function, as shown by reduced multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) amplitudes and delayed latencies for up to two weeks post-treatment. These functional changes may explain early visual disturbances after PDT.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Physiology
- Photodynamic Therapy
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for various retinal conditions.
- Understanding early functional changes post-PDT is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate early retinal functional changes after photodynamic therapy (PDT) using multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).
Main Methods:
- A prospective interventional case series involving 17 eyes undergoing standard PDT with verteporfin.
- mfERG recordings were taken before PDT and at 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month after treatment.
- Analysis focused on N1 and P1 response amplitudes and peak latencies in central and peripheral retinal areas.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in N1 and P1 amplitudes were observed at 4 days and 2 weeks post-PDT.
- Significant increases in P1 peak latencies were noted at 4 days and 2 weeks post-PDT.
- No significant mfERG differences were found at 1 month compared to pre-PDT baseline.
Conclusions:
- PDT causes transient retinal functional impairments, including reduced amplitudes and delayed latencies, lasting up to two weeks.
- These mfERG findings correlate with common subjective visual disturbances reported early after PDT.
- The study highlights the utility of mfERG in detecting early functional deficits post-PDT.