The ERG in response to alternating gratings in patients with diseases of the peripheral visual pathway.

Electroretinogram (ERG) responses to alternating gratings have been recorded in patients with temporary occlusion of the retinal artery, retrobulbar optic neuritis, and other ganglion cell diseases. The ERG responses to alternating gratings were absent in first case and dramatically depressed in the others, whereas the ERG responses to light flashes or to homogeneous flickering light were normal. These findings corroborate recent evidence from studies on the cat, showing that the ERG in response to alternating gratings is correlated with ganglion cell activity.