Evaluation of focal retinal function using multifocal electroretinography in patients with X-linked retinoschisis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate focal retinal function in patients presenting with features of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), with the use of multifocal electroretinography (mfERG).

DESIGN

Consecutive observational case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen eyes of 9 patients who presented to the retina clinic of Sankara Nethralaya from 2005 to 2008.

METHODS

XLRS was diagnosed clinically and corroborated with full-field electroretinogram (ffERG), mfERG, and optical coherence tomography. ffERG and mfERG recordings were done with VERIS 5.2.2X according to International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standards. The mfERG stimulus consisted of 103 hexagons flickered at a 75 Hz frame rate, subtended 35° horizontally and 31° vertically at a viewing distance of 53 cm. The amplitudes and implicit times of ffERG and first-order kernels of mfERG were analyzed and compared with those of the controls.

RESULTS

P1 and N1 amplitudes were reduced and P1 and N1 implicit times were prolonged significantly in patients with XLRS, compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

mfERG helps estimate focal retinal function in patients with XLRS.