Rod a-wave analysis using high intensity flashes adds information on rod system function in 25% of clinical ERG recordings

PURPOSE To investigate whether rod a-wave analysis using high intensity flashes adds information above that obtained with standard ERG. METHODS A total of 2,396 eyes were recorded. Patient age was 2.4 months-84.6 years. RESULTS A-wave analysis of high intensity flashes provided additional information on rod system function in 25% of eyes recorded, most importantly in subjects with midretinal disease and artificially reduced rod responses. High intensity flashes also provided measurable responses for longitudinal monitoring in rod dystrophies with non-recordable rod ERGs. CONCLUSIONS Clinical ERG testing would benefit greatly from adding high intensity flashes to its standard testing conditions.