Pattern-evoked potentials and optic nerve fiber loss in monocular laser-induced glaucoma.

ERG and VEP responses to counterphase checkerboard stimuli were obtained from cynomolgus monkeys with monocular glaucoma induced by laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. The glaucomatous eyes showed reductions of PERG amplitude that were directly related to the histologically defined nerve damage. VEP amplitudes were also reduced in the glaucomatous eyes, but were more variable and less affected by damage than the PERG responses. An acute increase in eye pressure to 40 mm Hg in eyes without damage had no detectable effect on PERG amplitudes.