The effect of ocular dominance on macular function: A pattern electroretinogram study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Visual Electrophysiology

Background:

• Ocular dominance, the preferential use of one eye, is a known phenomenon in humans.
• Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) assesses the function of the inner retina and macula.
• Understanding factors influencing PERG is crucial for accurate interpretation of retinal function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ocular dominance on pattern electroretinogram (PERG) parameters.
• To compare PERG recordings between dominant and non-dominant eyes in healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study included 56 healthy participants (112 eyes).
• Ocular dominance was determined using the hole-in-a-card test.
• Pattern electroretinograms (PERG) were recorded to measure P50 and N95 amplitudes and implicit times.

Main Results:

• No significant interocular differences were found in visual acuity, refractive error, or intraocular pressure.
• The dominant eye exhibited a significantly higher P50 amplitude compared to the non-dominant eye (p=0.015).
• No significant differences were observed in N95 amplitude, N95/P50 ratio, or implicit times between eyes.

Conclusions:

• Dominant eyes demonstrate a significantly increased P50 amplitude in PERG recordings.
• This finding suggests a potential difference in macular function related to ocular dominance.
• PERG P50 amplitude may be influenced by the eye's dominance status in healthy subjects.