Electroretinography in a Paediatric Setting: A Useful Diagnostic Tool

Stephanie Crofts, BAppSc(Orth)Hons
Louise Brennan, BAppSc(Orth)Hons
Katie Scanlon, BAppSc(Orth)
Orthoptic Department, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia

Assessing visual behaviour in young children is a challenging task. When children present with poor vision, nystagmus, photophobia or nyctalopia, it can be difficult to determine the cause. The electroretinogram (ERG) plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of paediatric retinal eye conditions and can be a useful diagnostic tool for the paediatric ophthalmologist. The ERG records electrical activity of the retina in response to ocular stimulation with either a light or pattern source.

Patients are referred to the visual electrophysiology clinic when a diagnosis is uncertain or when the ERG result will help confirm a diagnosis. When a diagnosis is confirmed the ERG can be used to monitor progression of the disease. These results, along with genetic counselling, allow patients and their families to be informed on prognosis and progression of retinal disease and its impact on vision.

A retrospective review of patients attending The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for ERG assessment over a two-year period from 2007 to 2009 was carried out. This paper discusses methods of paediatric ERG assessment, indications for testing and common paediatric retinal dystrophies.