Investigation of changes in the myopic retina using multifocal electroretinograms, optical coherence tomography and peripheral resolution acuity

Abstract

We investigated relationships between retinal structure using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal function using peripheral resolution acuity and multifocal electroretinograms (mfERG) in 56 subjects with a range of refractive errors (+0.50 to -15.00 D). Retinal thinning occurred in moderate and high myopia which appeared to be primarily due to reduced thickness of the middle to inner retina (MIR) (outer plexiform layer to the nerve fiber layer). MIR thickness was correlated with reduced spatial resolution and delayed mfERG timing in the peripheral retina. The findings suggest the structure and function of the post-receptor retina is susceptible to disruption in moderately and highly myopic eyes.