Korean J Ophthalmol.  2005 Jun;19(2):106-111. 10.3341/kjo.2005.19.2.106.

Study of Blue and Red Flash in Dark-Adapted Electroretinogram

• Lim SH
• Ohn YH

• KMID: 754406
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2005.19.2.106

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the characteristics of the waveform generated by blue and red light stimulations in a dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) and those of cone responses in the dark-adapted condition. METHODS: The study subjects were 52 persons (88 eyes) with no previous medical history. The author recorded b-waves (rod response) with red light stimulation and the x-waves (dark-adapted cone response) that appeared before the b-waves. The author also recorded b-waves with blue light stimulation, which had the same amplitude as the b-waves from the red light stimulation. The differences with respect to age and gender were studied. Waveforms of the dark-adapted cone ERGs were recorded by using a digital subtraction technique. RESULTS: The x-wave always appeared before the b-wave with 0 dB (2.4 cd.s/m2) red stimulation. With blue stimulation, a b-wave equivalent to the b-wave stimulated with the red light of 0 dB intensity appeared at an average of -14.57 dB. The implicit time for the b-wave was delayed significantly for the male group. There were no significant differences between different age groups. The dark-adapted cone ERG demonstrated the waveform of a negative response followed by a series of oscillatory potentials (OPs) and a positive response. CONCLUSIONS: The cone responses were followed by the rod responses with red light stimulation of 0 dB in the dark-adapted ERG. The waveforms of the cone ERGs were obtained in dark adaptation with red and blue light stimulation.

Keyword

Blue light; Dark-adapted electroretinogram; Red light; X-wave

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Child
Dark Adaptation/*physiology
*Electroretinography
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Photic Stimulation/*methods
Retina/*physiology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Insertion of blue filter

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  Fig. 2 Dark-adapted electroretinogram in a 23-year-old girl. (A) -14dB blue flash; (B) 0 dB red flash. Scotopic balance was made between red and blue light. A long wavelength (red) light (605 nm) elicits a characteristic biphasic positive response (see B). The early portion of the response, referred to in the literature as the x-wave, is ascribed to cone activity.

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  Fig. 3 The dark-adapted cone electroretinogram, determined by digital subtraction technique, demonstrates the waveform of a negative response, a series of oscillatory potentials and a positive response.

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  Fig. 4 Dark adaptation curve

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  Fig. 5 Both cone (x-wave) and rod (b-wave) functions can be determined with use of single-flash long-wavelength (red) stimulus after dark adaptation.

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