Health Encyclopedia

Electroretinography

Definition

Electroretinography is a test to measure the electrical response of the eye's light-sensitive cells (rods and cones).

Alternative Names

ERG

How the test is performed

While you are comfortably seated in a chair, the health care provider places numbing drops into your eyes, so you do not feel pain during the test. Your eyes are then propped open and an electrical sensor (electrode) is placed on each eye.

The electrode measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light. A light flashes, 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 doctor 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 like an eyelash. The test takes about one hour to perform.

Why the test is performed

Both hereditary and acquired disorders of the retina can be evaluated with this test. It is also useful in determining if retinal surgery is recommended.

Normal Values

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:

Rod-Cone Dystrophy (retinitis pigmentosa)
Arteriosclerosis
Giant cell arteritis
Mucopolysaccharidosis
Retinal detachment
Iron poisoning
Vitamin A deficiency
Congenital night blindness
Congenital retinoschisis

What the risks are

The cornea may get a superficial scratch from the electrode. Otherwise, there are no risks associated with this procedure.

Special considerations

You should not rub your eyes for an hour after the test, as this could injure the cornea. Your doctor will discuss with you the results of the test and what it means for you.

Review Date:2/22/2007
Reviewed By:Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.