Applications of the multifocal electroretinogram in the detection of glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the most important eye diseases resulting in blindness worldwide. It affects the inner retina and is without signs and symptoms in the early stages, making early detection of glaucoma important for eye care professionals. Electroretinography (ERG) is an objective technique used to measure retinal electrical responses, which directly reflect retinal function. The multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) is a relatively new tool in this area. Various modifications of the mfERG stimulation paradigms such as fast flicker, low contrast, slow sequence, global flash and luminance-modulation have been developed in recent years. Using these techniques and a better understanding of the mfERG characteristics has resulted in greater effectiveness of the mfERG in the diagnosis of glaucoma. It is likely that sensitive clinical mfERG measurement protocols for early detection of glaucomatous damage will be possible in the near future.

Effect of inner retinal dysfunction on slow double-stimulation multifocal electroretinogram

“…This non-linear component is believed to be generated predominantly from the inner retina 10. It may be used as an indicator of inner retinal dysfunction due to glaucoma,11 12 and its compromise shows that the fast-adaptive mechanisms from the retina are affected in inner retinal disease 13…”

Macular Function in Eyes with Open-Angle Glaucoma Evaluated by Multifocal Electroretinogram

“…[22][23][24] A kernel analysis applied to mfERG responses can be used to assess nonlinear functions of the visual system. 25 Since the first-order kernel of mfERG originates primarily in the preganglionic elements (photoreceptors and bipolar cells), 26 and several studies have reported altered mfERG in OAG and in ocular hypertension, [27][28][29][30][31][32] the present authors believed it would be interesting to clarify whether a dysfunction of the preganglionic elements may occur in OAG.…”

Retinal dysfunction characterizes subtypes of dominant optic atrophy

“…The ‘kernel analysis’ was particularly useful to assess that in glaucoma, a not exclusive dysfunction of the GCs and their fibres (mainly detected by PERG recordings, see Wilsey & Fortune as a review) was present, but that a functional impairment of the preganglionic elements may also occurs (Chan & Brown ; Chan ; Chan et al. ; Parisi et al. ).…”