Multifocal electroretinogram for assessing sun damage following the solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 : Multifocal electroretinography in solar maculopathy

• Published in: Documenta ophthalmologica 2007-05, Vol.114 (3), p.159-162
• Main Authors: ARDA, Hatice, ONER, Ayse, MUTLU, Sait, KÖSE, Ziya, GUMUS, Koray, KARAKUCUK, Sarper, MIRZA, Ertugrul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular system; Child; Electroretinography; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Leukemias. Malignant lymphomas. Malignant reticulosis. Myelofibrosis; Male; Medical sciences; Ophthalmology; Prospective Studies; Radiation Injuries - diagnosis; Radiation Injuries - physiopathology; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Retina - radiation effects; Retinal Diseases - diagnosis; Retinal Diseases - physiopathology; Retinopathies; Solar Activity; Sunlight - adverse effects; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; Vision Disorders - diagnosis; Vision Disorders - physiopathology; Visual Acuity
• ISSN: 0012-4486; 1573-2622
• DOI: 10.1007/s10633-007-9049-x

To evaluate the clinical findings and multifocal electroretinography results of cases with solar maculopathy due to eclipse watching. Eight eyes of six patients (ages ranged 12-42) who presented to our clinic after the solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 were evaluated in the study. All patients underwent a full ophthalmologic examination and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG). Visual acuities at the initial examination were between 20/32 and 20/20; and at final examination between 20/25 and 20/20 respectively. Fundoscopic examination disclosed macular pigmentary changes in almost all patients. Fundus Fluorescein Angiography revealed a window defect in six eyes. The initial findings of the mfERG at the first visit showed a decrease in the P1 and N1 amplitudes of the central responses. The following mfERG recordings showed a recovery in central P1 and N1 amplitudes. Decrease in P1 and N1 amplitudes of central macular region can be detected by mfERG in patients with solar maculopathy. Follow-up mfERG test results may recover with the increase of visual acuity.