Electroretinogram (ERG)
An ERG (electroretinography) test is a specialized test used to measure the electrical activity of the retina in response to light. It is an advanced and crucial test for evaluating retinal health.
It also records the electrical signals generated by retinal cells (especially rods and cones) when the eye is exposed to different light rays. The test is performed using tiny electrodes placed on or around the surface of the eye.
🎯 The Importance of an ERG Test:
1. Diagnosing hereditary and chronic retinal diseases
It helps diagnose conditions such as:
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Congenital retinal diseases such as Laurence-Moon or Stargardt syndrome
- Retinal dystrophy in children or adults
2. Evaluating retinal cell function
It determines the extent of the health or damage of the rods and cones, the cells responsible for night and color vision.
3. Monitoring Disease Progression
Used to monitor the progression of chronic retinal diseases and the effectiveness of treatments.
4. Diagnosing Unexplained Vision Loss
Very useful in cases of impaired or lost vision without a clear cause compared to conventional examinations.
5. Before and after complex retinal or cataract surgeries
Helps determine the prognosis for surgical success, especially in cases where vision is severely impaired.
👶🏻 Particularly Important for Children
Used to diagnose hereditary or congenital retinal diseases in newborns or early-born children, especially if there is a family history of retinal diseases.