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The role of the ERG in the diagnosis and treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is affecting an increasing number of people, with 2.95 million people estimated to be affected in the USA by 2020. Possible preventive agents, such as vitamins and supplements have been studied and new treatment options for AMD have been developed in recent years. What role does electrophysiology play as a sensitive outcome measure? The most commonly used tests are the full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) and the multifocal ERG (mfERG). Test results from patients with AMD and reduced central vision need special attention in respect to fixation pattern, age-matched control data, and retinal luminance. Advantages, disadvantages and limitations of techniques will be considered, together with a review of published studies.

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Acknowledgment

I thank Carole Panton for editorial comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rostock, Doberaner Str. 140, 18055, Rostock, Germany

    Christina Gerth

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  1. Christina Gerth
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Correspondence to Christina Gerth.

Additional information

This paper was presented at the 45th Annual Symposium of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) in Hyderabad, India, August 2007.

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Gerth, C. The role of the ERG in the diagnosis and treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Doc Ophthalmol 118, 63–68 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-008-9133-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-008-9133-x

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