"On" response dysfunction in multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the electroretinographic properties of one patient with multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy.

Methods: Rod and cone electroretinograms (ERGs) and photopic ERGs elicited by long-duration stimuli were studied in a patient with multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy.

Results: The amplitudes of both the rod and cone ERGs were significantly reduced. Photopic ERGs elicited by long-duration stimuli demonstrated that the b-wave ("on" response) was abolished but the d-wave ("off" response) was reduced by only amplitude.

Conclusion: The ERG findings in multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy indicate that there is dysfunction not only of the photoreceptors but also in the signal transmission specific for the "on" pathway.