[The significance and interpretation of the electrophysiological and psychophysiological analyses in the diagnosis of glaucoma]

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to discuss and indicate which electrophysiological and psychophysical tests are useful for diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma patients. In diagnosis of glaucoma, among electrophysiological methods, the authors perform mainly transient and steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG). Steady-state as well as transient PERG have the best sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of this disease even in its early stages. Pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) are less sensitive and specific, that is why this examination is rare in practical use. The authors describe the method of PERG, discuss most frequent mistakes in the method and interpretation of the obtained results. Among psychophysical tests the authors emphasize the significance of short-wave-length perimetry (blue-on-yellow) and standard static perimetry in early diagnosis of glaucoma. On the basis of literature, the authors present also other psychophysical methods, which can be applied in diagnosis of glaucoma.