PRRP abnormalities in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

The human-pattern reversal retinal potential (PRRP) is a bioelectrical response that 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 (POAG). This investigation was designed to determine whether patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) who are at risk of developing POAG also exhibit PRRP amplitude reductions. High contrast (76%), rapidly counterphasing (16 rps), phase alternating checkerboard patterns (15-120 min checks) were used to elicit PRRPs from patients with POAG (n = 12) and OHT (n = 24), as well as age-matched visual normals (n = 11). The patients with OHT were selected to be either at high or low risk of developing POAG. The results indicate that PRRP amplitude reductions similar to those exhibited by POAG patients do occur in some OHT patients. However, many other ocular hypertensives, particularly those at low risk of developing POAG, do not exhibit PRRP abnormalities.