Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Multifocal Electroretinograms
Published on: December 4, 2011
Slow pattern-reversal stimulation facilitates the assessment of retinal function with multifocal recordings
Michael B Hoffmann1, Johann-Joachim Flechner
1Visual Processing Laboratory, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. michael.hoffmann@med.ovgu.de
Objective:
The use of the multifocal pattern electroretinogram (mfPERG) for objective visual field testing is critically impaired by the small signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) obtained. In order to explore ways to enhance mfPERG-SNRs and mfPERG-magnitude, the dependence of mfPERGs and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) on stimulation rate and stimulation mode is examined.
Methods:
Using VERIS Science 5.1.10X (EDI, CA, USA) mfPERGs and mfVEPs were recorded simultaneously in two different experiments to stimulation at 52 locations comprising a visual field of 44 degrees diameter. Firstly, in eight subjects the response magnitudes were compared for three pattern-reversal (PR) and two pattern-onset (PO) stimulus conditions, which differed in their maximal stimulation rate. Secondly, for equal recording durations the signal-to-noise-ratios (SNRs) of four PR stimuli with different stimulation rates were determined in eight subjects.
Results:
Both mfPERG and mfVEP response magnitudes were substantially enhanced for the lower stimulation rates. The greatest effects were obtained for the mfPERG-N95 to pattern-reversal stimulation, which was by a factor of 5.2+/-0.6 greater than that N95 for the standard condition (p<0.001). mfPERGs for a comparatively low stimulation rate, i.e., reversing its contrast with a probability of 50% only every 53 ms, yielded the greatest SNRs (1.42-fold greater than for the standard condition; p
Conclusions:
The enhancement of both mfPERG and mfVEP response magnitudes for slow stimulation suggests that retinal mechanisms contribute to this response enhancement and that slow pattern-reversal stimulation might facilitate simultaneous high-resolution mfPERG- and mfVEP-based visual field testing.
Significance:
The study suggests that mfPERG-based assessment of retinal ganglion cell function can be improved with stimulation sequences that are 2-4 times slower than the standard multifocal stimulus.
