[Comparison of multifocal electroretinogram in six kinds of maculopathies].

PURPOSE

To compare the differences of multifocal electroretinogram (mERG) in six kinds of macular diseases.

METHODS

The mERGS of 6 kinds of macular diseases were recorded and compared with normal corresponding age groups.

RESULTS

The differences of mERG between maculopathies and control were significant. The amplitude densities of N1 and P1 of all 6 rings were remarkably decreased, the latencies were also significantly prolonged in all kinds of macular diseases(P < 0.01). The amplitudes in central 1 ring were lowered most seriously comparing with other rings. There was a tendency that the differences of amplitudes of mERG between the maculopathies and normal groups were decreased as the acentric degree increased. In the 6 kinds of macular diseases, the 1 ring amplitudes of mERGs of exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), central exudative chorioretinitis, idiopathic macular hole and Stargardt's disease were more seriously decreased than those of atrophic ARMD, idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane and idiopathic central serious chorioretinpathy.

CONCLUSIONS

mERG is an effective method to test macular function. There are group differences of macular function between different kinds of macular diseases.