Electroretinographic alterations in retinal metallosis.

Electroretinographic responses can be modified by pathologic processes in two respects: response time and amplitude (or criterion threshold). Electrophysiologic syndromes can thus be defined. It is of clinical importance to recognize the effects of retinal metallosis on the electroretinographic response in cases of metallic intraocular foreign bodies: the sensitivity decreases while the response time remains normal for the intensity of stimulation. Iron appears to be more toxic than copper, but the secondary fibrosis induced by iron protects the retina more efficiently than that induced by copper.