PURPOSE: The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is reduced in early glaucoma and in some eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT). This study was designed to test the ability of the PERG to predict the development of visual field loss in OHT eyes. METHODS: In 29 eyes of 18 patients with high-risk OHT, the visual fields were tested, and the PERG was recorded using counterphasing checkerboard patterns at check sizes of 0.8 degrees and 15 degrees at 16 reversals/sec. The visual fields were retested 11-31 mo later. Initially, 12 eyes had pathologic PERG recordings. RESULTS: During the observation period, visual field loss developed in five eyes. All these eyes had a pathologic PERG recorded during the first visit. Of the eyes that had a normal PERG, none had field changes. CONCLUSIONS: Within the reservations of the limited sample size and follow-up interval, these findings suggest that the PERG can be used to discriminate between patients with OHT who will develop visual field loss and those who will not.
PURPOSE: The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is reduced in early glaucoma and in some eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT). This study was designed to test the ability of the PERG to predict the development of visual field loss in OHT eyes. METHODS: In 29 eyes of 18 patients with high-risk OHT, the visual fields were tested, and the PERG was recorded using counterphasing checkerboard patterns at check sizes of 0.8 degrees and 15 degrees at 16 reversals/sec. The visual fields were retested 11-31 mo later. Initially, 12 eyes had pathologic PERG recordings. RESULTS: During the observation period, visual field loss developed in five eyes. All these eyes had a pathologic PERG recorded during the first visit. Of the eyes that had a normal PERG, none had field changes. CONCLUSIONS: Within the reservations of the limited sample size and follow-up interval, these findings suggest that the PERG can be used to discriminate between patients with OHT who will develop visual field loss and those who will not.