[The testing of local electroretinogram in macular diseases].

OBJECTIVES

To record the local electroretinogram (LERG) in macular diseases, and define the using value of LERG in macular diseases.

METHODS

The LERGs of five kinds of maculopathies were recorded with a spot light stimulator at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 degrees of macular region.

RESULTS

(1) The amplitudes of LERG at the three regions in Stargardt's disease, wet form age-related macular degeneration (AMD), central serous chorioretinopathy, and idiopathic macular hole were significantly lowered in comparison with the controls (P < 0.01). In the meanwhile, these diseases also showed high abnormal rates. While in dry form AMD and epiretinal membrane, the amplitudes of LERG had no significant changes (P > 0.05). (2) The abnormal rates of LERG were related to the stimulated area. In the three tested areas, the highest abnormal rates occurred at 2.5 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

There are mean differences in macular electrical activities in these maculopathies. LERG is an effective method of electrophysiology for testing macular function.