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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Visual Evoked Potential Recording in a Rat Model of Experimental Optic Nerve Demyelination
Published on: July 29, 2015
Use of Visual Electrophysiology to Monitor Retinal and Optic Nerve Toxicity
Tsun-Kang Chiang1, Kayla Marie White1, Shree K Kurup1
1University Hospitals Eye Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44101, USA.
Abstract:
It is important for clinicians to consider exposure to toxic substances and nutritional deficiencies when diagnosing and managing cases of vision loss. In these cases, physiologic damage can alter the function of key components of the visual pathway before morphologic changes can be detected by traditional imaging methods. Electrophysiologic tests can aid in the early detection of such functional changes to visual pathway components, including the retina or optic nerve. This review provides an overview of various electrophysiologic techniques, including multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), full-field ERG (ffERG), electrooculogram (EOG), pattern electroretinogram (PERG), and visual evoked potential (VEP) in monitoring the retinal and optic nerve toxicities of alcohol, amiodarone, cefuroxime, cisplatin, deferoxamine, digoxin, ethambutol, hydroxychloroquine, isotretinoin, ocular siderosis, pentosane, PDE5 inhibitors, phenothiazines (chlorpromazine and thioridazine), quinine, tamoxifen, topiramate, vigabatrin, and vitamin A deficiency.
Insights
Electrophysiologic tests detect vision loss early by monitoring functional changes in the retina and optic nerve. These methods are crucial for diagnosing toxic substance exposure and nutritional deficiencies affecting vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Vision loss can result from toxic exposures and nutritional deficiencies.
- Physiologic damage may precede detectable morphologic changes on imaging.
- Early functional assessment is vital for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review electrophysiologic techniques for detecting toxic and nutritional optic neuropathies.
- To highlight the utility of these tests in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Overview of electrophysiologic techniques: multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), full-field ERG (ffERG), electrooculogram (EOG), pattern ERG (PERG), and visual evoked potential (VEP).
- Discussion of applications in monitoring specific toxic agents and deficiencies.
Main Results:
- Electrophysiology enables early detection of functional impairments in the visual pathway.
- Specific patterns of electrophysiologic dysfunction correlate with various toxic exposures and deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Electrophysiologic testing is essential for early diagnosis of vision loss due to toxins and nutritional issues.
- These functional tests complement traditional imaging in managing visual pathway damage.
