Flicker: a "decay" effect after light deprivation

The "decay" effect resulting from repetitive light stimulation at different flicker rates was investigated. Adult cats were visually deprived monocularly or binocularly for 1 or 2 weeks. The results showed a progressive decrease in the b-wave of the electroretinogram during the later flashes in a train. The data are presented as percent of the initial response to a flash. In the control eye the b-wave stabilized rapidly after the initial flash in a train of stimuli. Partial recovery occurred after 1 week of normal stimulation.