To compare electroretinogram (ERG) waveforms acquired using an ERG-jet electrode and a Burian-Allen electrode.
MethodsERGs 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.
ResultsThe 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.
ConclusionsIn this application, the ERG-jet ERG electrode appeared to be superior to the Burian-Allen electrode in terms of both usefulness and consistency.