Electroretinography

定义

Electroretinography is a test to measure the electrical response of the eye's light-sensitive cells, called rods and cones. These cells are part of the 视网膜 (the back part of the eye).

Alternative Names

ERG; Electrophysiologic testing

How the Test is Performed

While you are in a sitting position, the health care provider places numbing drops into your eyes, so you will not have any discomfort during the test. Your eyes are held open with a small device called a speculum. An electrical sensor (electrode) is placed on each eye.

The electrode measures the electrical activity of the 视网膜 in response to light. 一盏灯闪烁, and the electrical response travels from the electrode to a TV-like screen, where it can be viewed and recorded. The normal response pattern has waves called A and B.

The provider will take the readings in normal room light and then again in the dark, after allowing 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test will Feel

The probes that rest on your eye may feel a little scratchy. The test takes about 1 hour to perform.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to detect disorders of the 视网膜. It is also useful for determining if 视网膜l surgery is recommended.

正常的结果

Normal test results will show a normal A and B pattern in response to each flash.

What Abnormal Results Mean

The following conditions may cause abnormal results:

• Arteriosclerosis with damage to the 视网膜
• Congenital night blindness
• Congenital retinoschisis (splitting of the 视网膜l layers)
• Giant cell arteritis
• Medicines (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine)
• Mucopolysaccharidosis
• Retinal detachment
• Rod-cone dystrophy (retinitis pigmentosa)
• 创伤
• Vitamin A deficiency

风险

The cornea may get a temporary scratch on the surface from the electrode. Otherwise, there are no risks with this procedure.

注意事项

You should not rub your eyes for an hour after the test, as this could injure the cornea. Your provider will talk to you about the results of the test and what they mean for you.

参考文献

Baloh RW, Jen JC. Neuro-ophthalmology. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 396.

Reichel E, Klein K. Retinal electrophysiology. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. 眼科学. 5日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 6.9.

Tsang SH, Holder GE. Clinical electrophysiology. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund B, et al, eds. 瑞恩的视网膜. 7日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 9.