The pattern-evoked electroretinogram (PERG): age-related alterations and changes in glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Visual Science

Background:

• Pattern-onset electroretinograms (PERGs) are crucial for assessing retinal ganglion cell function.
• Age-related changes can affect PERG parameters, necessitating age-adjusted analysis.
• Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are characterized by progressive optic nerve damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of aging on PERG responses in healthy individuals.
• To evaluate PERG alterations in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• To determine the correlation between PERG parameters and structural optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

Main Methods:

• PERGs were recorded in 147 normal subjects (ages 14-79) and 65 glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients.
• Analysis included peak latency, amplitude, and spatial tuning of PERG responses.
• Correlations were assessed between PERG measures, cup/disc ratio, neuroretinal rim area, and visual field data.

Main Results:

• PERG peak latency increased and amplitude decreased with age in normal subjects.
• Glaucoma eyes often exhibited diminished spatial tuning.
• PERG amplitude showed significant negative correlation with cup/disc ratio and positive correlation with neuroretinal rim area, decreasing with visual field loss.

Conclusions:

• PERG amplitude reduction parallels estimated ganglion cell loss in glaucoma.
• PERG is a sensitive indicator of glaucomatous damage, reflecting structural and functional deficits.
• Age-related PERG changes should be considered when interpreting results in older patients.