Effects of cataracts on flicker electroretinograms recorded with RETeval™ system: new mydriasis-free ERG device

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cataracts on the flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) recorded with the RETeval™ system under mydriatic-free conditions. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 82 eyes of 60 patients with cataracts and 52 eyes of 38 patients who were pseudophakic. Flicker ERGs were recorded with the RETeval™ system (LKC Technologies, Gaithersburg, MD) under mydriatic-free condition with skin electrodes. Flicker ERGs were elicited by white light delivered at a frequency of 28.3 Hz and intensity of 8 Td-s. The implicit times and amplitudes of the ERGs recorded from the Grade 2 cataract, Grade 3 cataract, and pseudophakic groups were compared. RESULTS The mean amplitude was significantly smaller in both cataract groups than the pseudophakic group (Grade 2 cataract vs pseudophakic group, P < 0.0001; Grade 3 cataract vs pseudophakic group, P < 0.0001; Grade 2 cataract vs Grade 3 cataract, P = 0.027). The mean implicit times was significantly longer in both cataract groups than the pseudophakic group (Grade 2 cataract vs pseudophakic group, P = 0.046; Grade 3 cataract vs pseudophakic group, P = 0.0004; Grade 2 cataract vs Grade 3 cataract, P = 0.0084). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the presence of Grade 2 or more cataracts will affect both the amplitude and the implicit time of the flicker ERGs. The presence of cataracts should be taken into consideration when interpreting the flicker ERG recorded with RETeval™.