Effect of Cataract on Electroretinographic Response†
Tanapat Ratanapakorn MD*, Tanikarn Patarakittam MD*, Suthasinee Sinawat MD*, Thuss Sanguansak MD*, Chavakij Bhoomibunchoo MD*, Supat Kaewpanna, Yosanan Yospaiboon MD*
Affiliation : † This study was supported by the invitation research grant (I-49043) from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To study the effect of cataract on electroretinographic responses.
Material and Method: 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, oscillatory potentials 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.
Conclusion : 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.
Keywords : Electroretinogram, ERG, Cataract surgery
