The pattern visual evoked potential and pattern electroretinogram in drusen-associated optic neuropathy.

Sixteen patients (29 eyes) with optic disc drusen were studied prospectively for clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of impaired optic nerve conduction. Abnormalities were detected in the following areas: visual acuity, eight (28%) of 29 eyes; kinetic visual field, 22 (76%) of 29 eyes; results of Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test, 12 (41%) of 29 eyes; and flash visual evoked potential, 13 (54%) of 24 eyes. Simultaneous pattern visual evoked potentials and results of pattern electroretinograms were recorded. The P100 latency of the pattern visual evoked potential was prolonged in 41% of eyes. The P50 and N95 components of the pattern electroretinogram were also analyzed. The P50 amplitude was reduced in only four (17%) of 24 eyes. The most common abnormality was a reduction in amplitude or the absence of the N95 component in 19 (79%) of 24 eyes, reflecting ganglion cell dysfunction. The data support mounting evidence that the P50 and N95 components of the pattern electroretinogram have different retinal origins.