Electroretinogram measures in a septuagenarian population

Abstract

This study reports electroretinogram (ERG) data in a septuagenarian population. Fifty healthy adults without diabetes or dementia aged 70-79 years underwent standardised electrophysiological testing incorporating current ISCEV Standards as baseline assessment for the OPAL (Older People And n-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) study. These data were compared with those from 53 healthy adults aged 20-50 years. Amplitudes and peak times of the major components were assessed. There were no significant differences in amplitude or peak time between sexes or between eyes. ERG amplitudes were 25-40% smaller and peak-times were longer in the older compared with the younger age group. In all participants, the bright flash ERG b-wave amplitude had the highest variability; the bright flash ERG a-wave peak time had the lowest. ERGs in a septuagenarian age group show 25-40% lower amplitude than those of a 20 to 50-year-old group and are of longer peak time. With an increasingly ageing population involved in clinical trials, and the potential use of ERG in the assessment both of efficacy and safety in forthcoming therapeutic interventions, it is important that the effects of age are given adequate consideration.