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Loss in pattern-elicited electroretinograms in optic nerve dysfunction
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Pattern electroretinograms (PERG) and visual-evoked potentials (VEP) can help diagnose optic nerve dysfunction. Absence of PERG responses may indicate loss of optic nerve function, aiding in diagnostic testing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Electrophysiology
Background:
- Assessing optic nerve function is crucial for diagnosing visual pathway disorders.
- Electroretinograms (ERG) and visual-evoked potentials (VEP) are established electrophysiological tests.
Observation:
- Flash-elicited ERG and VEP were recorded in a patient with unilateral optic nerve dysfunction.
- Pattern-elicited ERG and VEP were also recorded, comparing the affected and unaffected eyes.
Findings:
- Flash-ERG showed no significant difference between eyes, but flash-VEP was attenuated in the affected eye.
- Pattern-ERG and pattern-VEP were absent in the affected optic nerve, while present in the unaffected eye.
- Contrast sensitivity was suppressed but present in the affected eye, indicating residual pattern processing.
Implications:
- Pattern-elicited electroretinograms (PERG) may be a sensitive indicator of optic nerve activity.
- Absence of PERG responses could be diagnostic for optic nerve dysfunction.
- Incorporating PERG into testing protocols may enhance the assessment of optic nerve health.