Evaluation of cone function by a handheld non-mydriatic flicker electroretinogram device

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal diagnostics
• Medical devices

Background:

• Full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) assess retinal function but require invasive procedures like pupillary dilation and contact lens electrodes.
• A simpler, noninvasive screening method for retinal diseases is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the handheld, portable RETeval™ device for screening cone dysfunction.
• To determine if RETeval™ can provide a noninvasive alternative to conventional ERG testing.

Main Methods:

• Flicker ERGs were recorded using RETeval™ with skin electrodes on 35 patients with known cone dysfunction and compared to 50 healthy eyes.
• Patients had various hereditary and acquired retinal diseases, including achromatopsia and retinitis pigmentosa.
• The study analyzed flicker ERG amplitudes and implicit times across three age groups.

Main Results:

• Patients with cone dysfunction showed significantly smaller flicker ERG amplitudes and longer implicit times compared to control eyes.
• Nearly all patients with cone dysfunction had flicker amplitudes below the mean -2.0 standard deviation of controls.
• The RETeval™ examination was completed in under 5 minutes without pupil dilation or contact lens electrodes.

Conclusions:

• The RETeval™ device shows potential as a noninvasive screening tool for cone dysfunction.
• It can efficiently identify patients requiring more comprehensive ERG testing.
• While not assessing scotopic function, it simplifies initial screening for photopic cone responses.