CORRELATING VISUAL-ACUITY AND ELECTROOCULOGRAM RECORDINGS IN BESTS-DISEASE

The visual function in 54 eyes of 27 patients with Best's disease was analyzed by retrospectively examining the Snellen visual acuities and the electrooculogram (EGG). Visual acuities, generally well maintained in most patients, were 20/40 (0.5) or better in 41 of 54 (75.9%) eyes , and showed no correlation with age. Those in the cicatricial stage h ad worse visual acuities than those in the previtelliform stage. The E OG was abnormal in 47 eyes (87.0%) with a subnormal light peak/dark tr ough (Lp/Dt) ratio less than 1.85. Seven eyes (13.0%) with an Lp/Dt ra tio 1.85 or higher had significantly smaller Dt values compared with t hose with a low Lp/Dt ratio. The Lp/Dt ratio did not correlate with pa tient age or disease stage. No correlation existed between visual acui ties and Lp/Dt ratios. The Lp/Dt ratio did not reflect the severity of the macular lesions. The results indicate that not only a low Lp/Dt r atio but also a low dark trough value in cases with a normal Lp/Dt rat io are helpful in diagnosing Best's disease.