Effects of aging on the first and second-order kernels of multifocal electroretinogram.

PURPOSE To determine the effects of aging on the first and second-order kernels of the multifocal electroretinogram (ERG). METHODS Multifocal ERGs were recorded from 52 healthy subjects (52 eyes) (0 >or= refractive error >or= -3.0 diopter). The ages of the subjects ranged from 12-76 years with a mean (+/-SD) of 44.0 +/- 20.2 years. The Visual Evoked Response Imaging System was used. The effects of aging on the response densities and on the implicit times of the first positive wave (P1) of the first-order kernel, and of the second and third positive waves (P2 and P3) of the second-order kernel were analyzed for the different age groups. RESULTS The response densities of the first-order kernel P1 and second-order kernel P2 waves decreased significantly, and the implicit times of the second-order kernel P2, and P3 were significantly prolonged (P <.05) in subjects over 50 years of age. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the age of the subject should be considered when evaluating retinal function using multifocal ERGs in basic and clinical studies.