Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
In Vivo Methods to Assess Retinal Ganglion Cell and Optic Nerve Function and Structure in Large Animals
Published on: February 26, 2022
Objective perimetry using a four-channel multifocal VEP system: correlation with conventional perimetry and thickness
Folkert K Horn1, Christoph Kaltwasser, Anselm G Jünemann
1Department of Ophthalmology and University Eye Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany. folkert.horn@uk-erlangen.de
Purpose:
There is evidence that multifocal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) can be used as an objective tool to detect visual field loss. The aim of this study was to correlate multifocal VEP amplitudes with standard perimetry data and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness.
Method:
Multifocal VEP recordings were performed with a four-channel electrode array using 58 stimulus fields (pattern reversal dartboard). For each field, the recording from the channel with maximal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was retained, resulting in an SNR optimised virtual recording. Correlation with RNFL thickness, measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and with standard perimetry, was performed for nerve fibre bundle related areas.
Results:
The mean amplitudes in nerve fibre related areas were smaller in glaucoma patients than in normal subjects. The differences between both groups were most significant in mid-peripheral areas. Amplitudes in these areas were significantly correlated with corresponding RNFL thickness (Spearman R=0.76) and with standard perimetry (R=0.71).
Conclusion:
The multifocal VEP amplitude was correlated with perimetric visual field data and the RNFL thickness of the corresponding regions. This method of SNR optimisation is useful for extracting data from recordings and may be appropriate for objective assessment of visual function at different locations.
Trial Registration Number:
This study has been registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00494923).
