The standing potential of the eye in retinal detachments

To investigate the standing potential and its light rise in retinal detachments, a group of 33 patients was examined preoperatively. The group was divided into 3 subgroups according to the extent of the detachment. Apart from practical interest, this investigation was carried out to answer the question whether contact between the pigment epithelium and the receptor layer is necessary for the generation of the standing potential. This appeared not to be the case, on the contrary the standing potential was often higher. The EOG light rise, on the other hand, was more distributed in comparison with the extent of the detachment. Various features of the EOG may be explained, if we assume an inhibitory action of the retina on the generator of the standing potential under normal conditions.