Comparison of Electroretinogram Waveforms Acquired Using Monopolar ERG-Jet Electrode and Bipolar Burian-Allen Electrode

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare electroretinogram (ERG) waveforms acquired using an ERG-jet electrode and a Burian-Allen electrode. METHODS: ERGs were recorded with an ERG-jet electrode and a Burian-Allen electrode from both eyes of 29 volunteers. Three consecutive recordings were obtained with both electrodes from the left eye of another 6 volunteers. Peak-to-trough amplitudes and peak implicit times were compared between both eyes, and between the 2 types of electrodes. Interpersonal and intrapersonal variation were also compared. RESULTS: The differences in amplitude and implicit time between the right and left eyes were not influenced by the type of electrode. The amplitude of the ERG acquired using the Burian-Allen electrode, however, showed significant differences between both eyes, contrary to the amplitude acquired using the ERG-jet electrode. ERG recordings obtained using the ERG-jet electrode generally showed higher amplitude, shorter implicit time, and less interpersonal and intrapersonal variation than ERG recordings obtained using the Burian-Allen electrode. CONCLUSIONS: In this application, the ERG-jet ERG electrode appeared to be superior to the Burian-Allen electrode in terms of both usefulness and consistency.