Electrophysiology of the optic nerve: recent insights.

The introduction of automated recording and processing systems, the development of electro-optical technologies, and the numerous findings deriving from experimental electrophysiology have intensified the interest in electrofunctional non-invasive tests for optic pathways studies. Pattern ERG was demonstrated as the most efficacious stimulus to investigate the ganglion cell activity. The contrast sensitivity measurement by means of electrofunctional methods, contribute to obtain more information about the retinal and optic pathways functionality. The utility of electrofunctional and psychophysic methods in some pathologies of optic pathways (diabetes opticopathy, endocular hypertension, retrobulbar neuritis) is discussed.