When a large refractive error is found in children, should we immediately order electroretinography?

Abstract

Electroretinography is a useful tool used in diagnosing retinal disorders. Refractive errors are a common and increasing group of abnormalities, which, if undiagnosed, may lead to complications. Physiologically, i.e., refraction of the child’s eye, evolves from myopic or hyperopic after birth, towards emmetropic. However, high refractive errors tend to present with retinal diseases. Early electroretinography is a great diagnostic test that allows its detection. Because of that, it can help avoid loss of eyesight and prevent future implications. Unfortunately, low accessibility and interpretational difficulties are main barriers in wider implementation of that method.

Paediatric norms for photopic electroretinogram testing based on a large cohort of Chinese preschool children

“… 16 Therefore, performing ERG in children with high refractive errors can aid clinical diagnosis and prevent confusing the real condition with others. 28 …”