KERATOCONUS AND TAPETORETINAL DEGENERATION

In a series of 233 keratoconus cases, electroretinograms (ERGs) and vi sual evoked responses (VERs) were recorded; the results of this study are discussed. In six cases, the ERGs were extinguished, and the VERs were pathologic. In contrast to this, in four cases, ERGs were normal, but VERs were pathologic. Postoperatively the electrophysiologic find ings remained the same, and the ophthalmoscopic examination of the eye s revealed the existence of a diffuse tapetoretinal degeneration or a macular lesion. These data show clearly the coexistence in many cases of keratoconus with diffuse tapetoretinal degeneration or macular lesi on. The preoperative value of an electrophysiologic study of keratocon us patients is justified to avoid an unneeded corneal transplant.