Diagnostic evaluation of diabetic retinopathy by 30-Hz flicker electroretinography.

The peak latency in 30-Hz flicker electroretinography (ERG) was determined in patients with diabetic retinopathy, using a newly developed contact lens electrode with built-in light-emitting diode. A good correlation was obtained between the peak latency of flicker ERG and that of oscillatory potentials of flash ERG. The peak latency of the flicker ERG was only slightly prolonged in background retinopathy, but markedly prolonged in proliferative retinopathy. The stage of pre-proliferative retinopathy with normal peak latency in flicker ERG may be a compensatory state of the retina, which is the most appropriate stage for laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy.