electroretinogram
Pronunciation: eh-LEK-troh-RET-in-oh-gram
Also written as: ERG — electroretinogram
A diagnostic test measuring the electrical response of retinal cells to light stimulation.
Full Definition
An electroretinogram (ERG) is an electrophysiological test that records the electrical activity generated by neural and non-neural cells in the retina in response to light stimulus. The test produces characteristic waveforms including a-waves (photoreceptor response) and b-waves (bipolar cell response), which help diagnose retinal dystrophies, toxic retinopathies, and other conditions affecting retinal function. Full-field ERG, multifocal ERG, and pattern ERG are different variants used in neuro-ophthalmological assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as ERG in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The electroretinogram showed severely reduced amplitudes consistent with rod-cone dystrophy." — ophthalmology report
- "Multifocal electroretinogram testing revealed focal macular dysfunction." — retinal specialist consultation