[Do We Still Need Electrophysiology in Ophthalmology?]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Clinical ophthalmology utilizes electrophysiological methods to evaluate retinal layers and visual pathways.
• Technological advancements in ocular imaging, such as OCT and FAF, enable high-resolution visualization of retinal morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the roles of electrophysiological methods and advanced imaging in diagnosing retinal diseases.
• To highlight the complementary nature of electrophysiology and imaging in ophthalmological diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Full-field electroretinogram (ERG), pattern ERG (PERG), electrooculogram (EOG), and visual evoked potentials (VEP) were discussed.
• Multifocal recording techniques and advanced imaging like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) were considered.

Main Results:

• OCT and FAF facilitate early diagnosis of certain retinal diseases, sometimes obviating electrophysiological tests.
• OCT excels in quantifying optic atrophies, surpassing electrophysiological methods in this aspect.
• Electrophysiology remains essential for differentiating central from generalized retinal disorders and specific functional deficits.

Conclusions:

• While advanced imaging improves morphological assessment, electrophysiological testing is indispensable for functional diagnosis in complex retinal conditions.
• The combined use of imaging and electrophysiology offers a comprehensive approach to diagnosing a wide spectrum of ophthalmic disorders.