[The characteristic electroretinogram anomalies in age-related macular degeneration]

The color stimulated electroretinogram (ERG) was found abnormal in 104 eyes of 64 cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The number of a-wave troughs with dark adapted red stimulation decreased in 69 eyes, of which 27 eyes also showed diminished a- and b-waves under dark and light adaptation. Among the remaining 35 eyes that demonstrated no decrease in the number of a-wave troughs, there were 6 eyes with a- and b-wave diminution under dark and light adaptation. The findings indicated that the ERG anomalies in AMD were detected more readily with dark adapted red stimulation, particularly evident in the wet type of AMD, thus conducive to the judgement of visual impairment and prognosis.