Localized retinal dysfunction in central serous chorioretinopathy as measured using the multifocal electroretinogram.

PURPOSE

To determine the extent of electrophysiologic dysfunction in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

DESIGN

Prospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Six patients with unilateral CSC (mean age, 40 years) were recruited into the study.

METHODS

Six patients with CSC underwent multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) testing on both their clinically affected and opposite uninvolved eyes using the VERIS System, with a stimulus array of 103 scaled hexagons. The first positive peak responses were analyzed within six concentric ring annuli centered on the fovea. Amplitudes and implicit times were compared with those of an age-similar control group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Local electroretinographic response amplitudes and implicit times within the central 40 degrees with the mfERG.

RESULTS

All the clinically uninvolved eyes showed mfERG amplitudes and implicit times within the normal range throughout the central 40 degrees of the retina. All six eyes with CSC showed reduced amplitudes and/or delayed implicit times that were limited to the regions of the macula in which clinical changes associated with CSC were apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed electroretinographic changes only in the clinically affected eyes, and these were limited to regions with ophthalmoscopically apparent fundus changes. Our findings do not support the conclusion that functional impairment, as measured by the mfERG, in eyes with CSC extends beyond clinically observed fundus changes. We did not observe abnormal mfERG responses in the clinically normal eyes of such patients.