The homogeneity of the retinal illumination is restricted by some ERG lenses

Abstract

Are all types of available electroretinographic contact lenses suited for Ganzfeld stimulation? To answer this question, calculations have been made of the retinal light distribution with several types of ERG lenses placed on a theoretical eye. The results make possible a division of the ERG lenses into three categories. Category 1: Lenses with which the homogeneity of the retinal illumination is nearly perfect and independent of pupil size. These lenses are especially well designed for Ganzfeld electroretinography. Category 2: Lenses which illuminate a large retinal area but with which the light distribution depends on the size of the pupil. The suitability of these lenses is questionable, because Ganzfeld electroretinography is used in order to obtain a homogeneous retinal light distribution under most conditions. Category 3: Lenses with which the size of the illuminated retinal area changes strongly with the size of the pupil. These lenses are unsuitable for Ganzfeld electroretinography.