Newborn Infants'electroretinograms and Evoked Electroencephalographic Responses to Orange and White Light

Visual function in the human newborn was assessed by simultaneous recording of the electroretinogram and electroencephalogram during presentation of luminance series of orange and white light flashes. Electroretinograms of infants show wave form characteristics similar to those of adults, although of slightly longer latency and considerably lower amplitude. Cortical visual evoked responses of neonates are characterized by longer latencies than found in adults; however, amplitude of their potentials appears comparable to the adults'. The electrophysiological findings suggest both retinal and central photopic activity in newborn infants consistent with behavioral studies which indicate some capacity to perceive color, form, and pattern.