Several methods are used for the clinical examination of inner retinal function. The aims of this study were to compare four methods that can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases diabetes and glaucoma.
We examine correlations between results and determine which method is most sensitive for detecting disease. Twenty control subjects, 12 patients with early glaucoma and 8 patients with diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study.
All underwent 4 examinations: transient full-field pattern electroretinogram (PERG), multifocal pattern electroretinogram (mfPERG), chromatic contrast threshold measurements (protan and tritan) and blue-on yellow (SWAP) perimetry. For the total cohort of 40 subjects, the results show a significant correlation between the amplitudes of the PERG and those of the mfPERG, as well between the tritan contrast thresholds and the SWAP MD.
Furthermore, ROC analyses reveal that colour contrast thresholds could significantly distinguish between the patient and the control group. Glaucoma patients alone could also be distinguished.
We conclude that there is no large correlation between the results of methods, if differing pathways