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

PurposeTo investigate whether rod a-wave analysis using high intensity flashes adds information above that obtained with standard ERG.MethodsA total of 2396 eyes were recorded. Patient age was 2.4 months–84.6 years.ResultsA-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.ConclusionsClinical ERG testing would benefit greatly from adding high intensity flashes to its standard testing conditions.