A theoretical study of the effect of vitreous hemorrhage on the electroretinogram

A bioelectric field model of the electroretinogram was utilized to help determine whether the presence of blood in the vitreous could alter its electrical conductivity enough to attenuate what would have been a normal ERG. The electrical conductivities of the structures of the eye and the frequency content of the ERG were incorporated in the model. The result was that the vitreous conductivity would have to be reduced to a value below that of whole blood in order for the ERG to be significantly reduced. A reduced ERG would be due to another cause(s) and might preclude vitrectomy. According to this model, blood in the vitreous has no significant effect on conduction of the ERG to the cornea.