fokalemfERG

FokalemfERG is an experimental concept in ophthalmology aimed at providing focal, spatially resolved measurements of retinal function by combining targeted stimulation with electroretinography. The method seeks to map local retinal responses to stimuli across the posterior eye, enabling detection of localized dysfunction that can be missed by conventional full-field ERG.

Technique and measurement approaches involve delivering small, localized light or electrical stimuli to defined retinal regions while recording local electrophysiological responses with corneal or contact lens electrodes. The resulting data are analyzed in terms of standard ERG components, such as the a-wave (primarily photoreceptor activity) and the b-wave (primarily bipolar cell activity), and then translated into spatial maps. Implementations may employ scanning light delivery, adaptive optics to target microscopic areas, or microelectrode arrays to improve spatial resolution. Signal processing typically includes artifact removal, baseline correction, and deconvolution to separate overlapping responses.

Applications and validation efforts focus on diagnosing or characterizing focal retinal dysfunction. Potential uses include assessment of macular disease, inherited retinal degenerations, and localized retinal injuries, as well as research into retinal circuitry and structure–function relationships. Validation work emphasizes reproducibility, cross-laboratory consistency, and correlations with structural imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography, to establish clinically meaningful benchmarks.

Limitations and status include the experimental nature of the approach, which currently involves specialized equipment and expertise. Challenges encompass long testing times, patient comfort, complex data analysis, and the need for standardized protocols and normative databases. Safety considerations address light exposure and electrode use, with ongoing work to optimize stimulus parameters and improve interpretation before broader clinical adoption.