Electrophysiological methods in the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by chronic progressive damage to the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and their axons, leading to gradual visual function loss. Currently, the gold standards for structural and functional assessment of the retina in glaucoma are static automated perimetry (SAP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). However, in clinical practice, data from SAP and OCT may be insufficient to reliably determine the stage of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, monitor its progression, or differentiate it from other causes of visual dysfunction. For these purposes we can use various modifications of electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked cortical potentials (VECPs), as well as electrophosphene testing — threshold retinal electrical sensitivity (TRES) and lability of the optic nerve (LON).