Effect of cataract on electroretinographic response.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of cataract on electroretinographic responses.


METHODS
Thirty subjects with dense cataracts underwent electroretinogram (ERG) recordings before and after cataract surgery, using RETIport32 (Roland Instruments, Germany). The degree of cataract was classified according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). No significant eye diseases were noted in all subjects. Following the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV), scotopic, mesopic, photopic, oscillatorypotentials and 30 Hz flicker ERG responses were recorded. The mean amplitudes of a- and b-waves, pre and post-cataract surgery were analyzed using the paired t-test.


RESULTS
Following cataract surgery, most of the ERG responses were slightly increased but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the mesopic b-wave amplitude was decreased significantly after cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the ERG waves after cataract surgery were slightly higher than pre-operative waves, but the differences were not statistically significant. The ERG remains a reliable guide in evaluation of the visual prognosis before cataract surgery.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Tanapat
T
Ratanapakorn
Tanikarn
T
Patarakittam
Suthasinee
S
Sinawat
Thuss
T
Sanguansak
Chavakij
C
Bhoomibunchoo
Supat
S
Kaewpanna
Yosanan
Y
Yospaiboon
D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004596:Electroretinography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D014792:Visual Acuity