Pattern reversal retinal potentials in ocular hypertensives at high and low risk of developing glaucoma.

The human pattern-reversal retinal potential (PRRP) is a bioelectrical response which reflects neural activity generated in the proximal retina. Visual diseases which affect the retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve often produce significant reductions in the amplitude of the PRRP. PRRP amplitude reductions are frequently observed in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. This investigation was designed to determine whether patients with ocular hypertension who are at risk of developing glaucoma also exhibit PRRP amplitude reductions. The results indicate that PRRP amplitude reductions do occur in some ocular hypertensives, but many other ocular hypertensives do not exhibit PRRP abnormalities.