Relationship of oscillatory potential amplitude to A-wave slope over a range of flash luminances in normal subjects.

The effect of flash luminance on the relationship of oscillatory potential (OP) amplitude, as a measurement of inner retinal function, to a-wave slope, as a measurement of photoreceptor function, was evaluated in full-field electroretinograms recorded from normal subjects. The ratio of OP amplitude to a-wave slope was found to be independent of flash luminance over a 3000-fold luminance range. This finding raises the possibility that a reduction in the ratio of OP amplitude to a-wave slope in eyes with media opacities may be used as a sign of inner retinal malfunction. Selected cases are presented to illustrate application of this approach.