The Clinical Applications of Multifocal Electroretinography: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract. Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) is an investigation that can simultaneously measure multiple electroretinographic responses at different retinal locations by cross-correlation techniques. mfERG therefore allows topographic mapping of retinal function in the central 40--50 of the retina. The strength of mfERG lies in its ability to provide objective assessment of the central retinal function at different retinal areas within a short duration of time. Since the introduction of mfERG in 1992, mfERG has been applied in a large variety of clinical settings. This article reviews the clinical applications of mfERG based on the currently available evidence. mfERG has been found to be useful in the assessment of localized retinal dysfunction caused by various acquired or hereditary retinal disorders. The use of mfERG also enabled clinicians to objectively monitor the treatment outcomes as the changes in visual functions might not be reflected by subjective methods of assessment. By changing the stimulus, recording, and analysis parameters, investigation of specific retinal electrophysiological components can be performed topographically. Further developments and consolidations of these parameters will likely broaden the use of mfERG in the clinical setting.

Application of multifocal visual evoked potentials in the assessment of visual dysfunction in macular diseases

“…Currently available approaches to objectively evaluate macular function include conventional electrophysiological tests and newer multifocal techniques. [1][2][3][4] Owing to the relatively low sensitivity and specificity of conventional electrophysiological tests in macular diseases, multifocal techniques, especially multifocal electroretinograms, have gained increasing popularity in the evaluation of macular diseases. Although a large number of studies have evaluated the use of multifocal electroretinograms in evaluating macular dysfunction, few studies have assessed the use of multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) in macular diseases.…”

Functional Testing in Glaucoma Diagnosis

“…This is because the contribution of retinal ganglion cell activity to the mfERG response is indirect and complicated to measure [63]. However, several different mfERG stimulus and analysis paradigms have been evaluated for use in glaucoma testing [64]. In fact, some recent studies show good differentiation between normal and glaucomatous patients [65 • ].…”

The electroretinogram: a useful tool for evaluating age-related macular disease?

“…Like PERG, fERG and ffERG, it is an objective measurement of retinal function but in contrast to these tests the mfERG allows simultaneous measurements of multiple responses at different retinal locations [33,34]. The first-order kernel of the mfERG waveform comprises of a negative N1 component, a positive P1 component and a negative N2 component.…”