What is that New Machine Your Eye Doctor is Using and Why: Electroretinography

(Posted on Friday, March 1, 2024)

This story is part of a series on the current progression in Regenerative Medicine. This piece is part of a series dedicated to the eye and improvements in restoring vision. 

In 1999, I defined regenerative medicine as the collection of interventions that restore tissues and organs damaged by disease, injured by trauma, or worn by time to normal function. I include a full spectrum of chemical, gene, and protein-based medicines, cell-based therapies, and biomechanical interventions that achieve that goal.

Do you ever wonder what that handheld camera-type device your eye doctor sometimes uses and what it does? 

It is a tool known as an electroretinogram, and it provides a glimpse into the cellular orchestra that enables our sense of sight through light-induced responses. This tool helps to assess the functionality and health of retina cells. It is crucial for early detection and diagnosis of eye diseases. Electroretinography provides objective and quantifiable assessments of visual function and retinal well-being. With the help of such evaluations, ophthalmologists can make informed decisions about patient care and treatment strategies, leading to optimal outcomes.

Here is how it works.

What is Electroretinography, and How Does it Work?

The procedure consists of multiple steps. Firstly, numbing drops are given to the patient to ensure comfort during the test. Then, a small speculum gently holds the patient’s eyes open. Subsequently, an electrode is placed on each eye to measure the retina’s electrical activity in response to light. After that, a light stimulus is presented, and the resulting electrical response is captured by the electrodes and displayed on a monitor for viewing and recording. The test is conducted in both light and dark rooms to allow the patient’s eyes to adjust.

An electroretinogram output consists of two essential components: the A-wave and the B-wave. The A-wave is a positive wave that mainly originates from the cornea of the eye, while the B-wave is a negative wave that represents the electrical response of the retina’s rods and cones to light. By carefully analyzing these waves, ophthalmologists can detect any abnormalities in the structure and function of the retina, facilitating early detection and diagnosis of eye diseases.

Electroretinography’s Advantages

The beauty of electroretinography lies in its effectiveness. Even before symptoms manifest, the test can pinpoint dysfunctions within the eye, establishing electroretinography as one of ophthalmology’s most proactive diagnostic measures. Beyond its fundamental diagnostic capabilities, electroretinography boasts several advantages over other tests. 

Electroretinography features a heightened level of sensitivity that allows it to identify even the slightest abnormalities in the retina. It can also discern between various retinal disorders. Another advantage is that the testing method is non-invasive, making it a safe and comfortable option for patients.

The introduction of multifocal electroretinography has further broadened the horizons of this testing method. This technique allows clinicians to map localized functional issues within the retina, providing intricate retinal assessments with exquisite detail. With this level of precision, clinicians can develop highly targeted treatment plans that address specific retinal issues, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Limitations of Electroretinography

However, like all medical procedures, this test has some limitations. The traditional full-field electroretinography resolution may not be able to identify localized retinal abnormalities. Also, patient cooperation can sometimes be a hurdle. While this test provides a spectrum of diagnostic insights, it may not always give a definitive diagnosis.

Despite these limitations, the future of electroretinography looks promising, with the potential for advances. The field is constantly evolving with technology-enhancing precision. This progress is essential as accurate diagnosis and treatment planning play a crucial role in safeguarding our vision, one of our most precious senses.

Approximately 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, with the leading causes being cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Timely detection and diagnosis of eye diseases are crucial for successful treatment and prevention of vision loss. The high prevalence of eye diseases globally highlights the importance of diagnostic tools such as electroretinography.

Furthermore, electroretinography’s significance also lies in its promise for the future. Continued research and development may offer even greater detail and specificity in diagnosing and managing retinal conditions. For patients with vision impairments and those at risk for retinal diseases, the advancements in electroretinography represent a beacon of hope—an assurance that the vigilant eyes of science protect our sight.

To learn more about the eye, read more stories at www.williamhaseltine.com