Christopher W Tyler1, Lora T Likova. 1. *DSc †PhD Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, California (CWT, LTL); and Centre for Applied Vision Research, Division of Optometry and Vision Science, City University, London, United Kingdom (CWT).
Abstract
PURPOSE: Photophobia is a debilitating clinical condition that disrupts the ability to use vision for everyday tasks in bright lighting conditions. The goal of the study is to develop a methodology to study the neural basis of photophobia and the contribution of the melanopic pathway to its etiology with differential chromatic responses by means of standard electroencephalographic recording equipment. METHODS: We introduce and validate the approach of recording wavelength-specific electroretinographic (ERG) responses from the face electrodes of the high-density whole-head electroencephalography recording system under light-adapted conditions. RESULTS: ERGs recorded in this way to whole-field chromatic stimuli exhibit striking differences between the photophobic and non-photophobic groups. The control responses were consistent with photopic intensity in peak time, and in the ordering of peak times as a function of wavelength condition, indicating a predominantly cone source of the signals. The photophobic responses, on the other hand, were substantially slowed relative to controls, with the peak times conforming to a different order as a function of wavelength condition than controls, implying that the cone response has been suppressed and that the responses derived from a different photoreceptor system consistent with mediation by melanopic retinal ganglion cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results will be important for determining the neural pathways involved in photophobia and potential approaches to its treatment on the basis of this etiology.
PURPOSE:Photophobia is a debilitating clinical condition that disrupts the ability to use vision for everyday tasks in bright lighting conditions. The goal of the study is to develop a methodology to study the neural basis of photophobia and the contribution of the melanopic pathway to its etiology with differential chromatic responses by means of standard electroencephalographic recording equipment. METHODS: We introduce and validate the approach of recording wavelength-specific electroretinographic (ERG) responses from the face electrodes of the high-density whole-head electroencephalography recording system under light-adapted conditions. RESULTS: ERGs recorded in this way to whole-field chromatic stimuli exhibit striking differences between the photophobic and non-photophobic groups. The control responses were consistent with photopic intensity in peak time, and in the ordering of peak times as a function of wavelength condition, indicating a predominantly cone source of the signals. The photophobic responses, on the other hand, were substantially slowed relative to controls, with the peak times conforming to a different order as a function of wavelength condition than controls, implying that the cone response has been suppressed and that the responses derived from a different photoreceptor system consistent with mediation by melanopic retinal ganglion cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results will be important for determining the neural pathways involved in photophobia and potential approaches to its treatment on the basis of this etiology.