The role of pattern electroretinogram and pattern visual-evoked potentials in ocular hypertension.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and patterned visual evoked potential (PVEP) between ocular hypertension (OHT) and normal subjects.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included two groups: a control group (46 eyes from 23 subjects; mean age, 33.83 ± 9.10 years old) and an OHT group (34 eyes from 17 patients; mean age, 36.75 ± 11.00 years old). All OHT patients had normal visual fields and normal optic disc appearances but had elevated intraocular pressures. The PERG was recorded using counter-phasing 48' checkerboard patterns, and amplitudes and latencies of P50 and N95 were documented. The PVEP was recorded using checkerboard pattern reversal stimuli with large 60' and small 15' check sizes, and the amplitudes and latencies of the P100 peaks were documented. Group differences were compared, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of these parameters.

Results: The peak latencies of P50 and N95 in the PERG were significantly prolonged in the OHT group compared to the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.041, respectively), while the amplitudes of P50 and N95 were significantly reduced (p < 0.001 for both). Regarding PVEP results, the P100 peak latencies for both 60' check and 15' check stimuli were significantly longer in the OHT group (p < 0.001 for both), and the P100 amplitudes were significantly lower (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively). Furthermore, the P50 and N95 amplitudes in PERG, and the P100 peak latency in PVEP, all demonstrated good diagnostic ability (AUC > 0.8, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Abnormalities in PERG and PVEP amplitudes and timing were detected in OHT patients. The P50 and N95 amplitudes in PERG, as well as the P100 peak latency in PVEP, exhibited good ability to differentiate OHT patients from normal subjects.