title: The scotopic threshold response in diabetic retinopathy--a preliminary report.
abstract: The scotopic threshold response (STR) and the scotopic b-wave of the electroretinogram were recorded in a group of 30 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Retinopathy was assessed using colour stereo fundus photography and an adaptation of the Airlie House classification scheme. Wide-angle fundus fluorescein angiography was also performed and angiograms were graded for the presence of leakage and capillary non-perfusion. The STR was reduced in those eyes with retinopathy of grade 3 or above compared with eyes with retinopathy of grade 2 or below. There was a significant correlation between the amplitude of the STR and: (1) the grade of retinopathy; and (2) fluorescein leakage. There was no correlation between the b-wave amplitude and the severity of retinopathy. The STR may have a role as a screening test for diabetic retinopathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Eye Hospital, Woolloomooloo, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Aylward
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Billson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004596:Electroretinography; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012684:Sensory Thresholds