Electroretinogram or in short ERG is a diagnostic test used to detect problems with our eyes. This diagnostic test measures the electrical activity of the Retina in response to a light stimulus. The first known ERG was recorded from an Amphibian Retina was by a Swedish Physiologist Alarik Frithiof Hilmgren in 1865.
The ERG is done from currents generated directly by the Retinal Neurons, in combination with the contributions from Retinal Glia. It is a Non-Invasive diagnostic method done under physiological conditions. The Recording of ERG is done usually by using a thin Fiber Electrode placed in contact with the Cornea or an Electrode that is embedded within a Corneal Contact Lens. The electrical activity generated by the Retina is recorded with the help of these Electrodes, at the corneal surface. The ERG can be elicited by diffuse Flashes or Patterned Stimuli.
Read detailed information regarding ERG here
Who needs an electroretinography test?
An article published by Healthline says that a doctor may perform an ERG to determine if you have an inherited or acquired disorder of the retina, such as:
- Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a genetic disease causing loss of peripheral and Night Vision
- Macular Degeneration, which is a loss of vision due to the death of cells in the Macula
- Retinoblastoma, which is a Cancer of the Retina
- Retinal Separation, which is a detachment of the Retina from the back of the Eyeball
- Cone Rod Dystrophy (CRD), which is vision loss due to impaired Cone and Rod Cells
An ERG may also help your doctor assess your need for Retinal surgery or other types of eye surgery, such as the removal of Cataracts.
Read the complete article at Healthline
