Pilot study of the multifocal electroretinogram in ocular hypertension

Aims-To investigate the variation of retinal function in ocular hypertensio n (OHT) using the multifocal electroretinogram (MERG), that can objectively assess regional retinal responses using kernel analysis. Methods-Patients with OHT were recruited for 61 flash MERG recording. The f irst and second order kernel responses were analysed and compared with resp onses from a normal group. All the patients with OHT had full eye examinati ons and visual field analysis to ensure they had no ocular pathology, apart from high IOP (greater than or equal to 22 mm Hg). Results-In OHT, both the first and the second order kernel responses showed a reduction in magnitude compared with control values. The second order ke rnel responses showed larger relative reduction of amplitude than the first order responses. In addition, the macula showed a greater reduction in res ponse than the periphery. Conclusions-First order and second order kernel analyses are useful for det ecting changes of retinal response in OHT. The second order kernel analysis is important in measuring the inner retinal activity and is an important f actor in detecting the early glaucoma case. Diminished macular response may be a useful sign in early glaucomatous changes.