Author/Authors :
Deák, Klára University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Ophthalmology, Hungary , Fejes, Imre University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Ophthalmology, Hungary , Janáky, Márta University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Ophthalmology, Hungary , Várkonyi, Tamás University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Internal Medicine, Hungary , Benedek, György University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology, Hungary , Braunitzer, Gábor University of Szeged - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology, Hungary
Abstract :
Objective: To assess the utility of visual electrophysiological methods, visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) were recorded for the detection of subclinical optic nerve and retinal involvement in patients with diabetes mellitus. Subjects and Methods: The data of 63 patients (126 eyes) with no vascular retinopathy or optic neuropathy were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into polyneuropathic/nonpolyneuropathic groups to differentiate between early and late subclinical stages. The recorded parameters were compared with local reference values. Results: 116 eyes (92%) had VEP and 76 (60%) had PERG abnormalities. The most frequent alteration was latency delay, but waveform and amplitude irregularities were also observed. The simultaneous use of the two methods allowed us to differentiate abnormal VEPs of purely optic nerve origin from those reflecting retinal involvement. Conclusions: We suggest that regular electrophysiological screening should receive more attention in the ophthalmological care of diabetic patients.
