New Clinical Test of Retinal Function Based Upon the Standing Potential of the Eye

THE diagnosis of disturbances of retinal function is often accurate and simple. The affected structure can be inspected by the ophthalmologist, and the patient can give detailed accounts of the changes in his sensation. However, there are very few methods available for the objective investigation of retinal function. The only test which is not directly related to percep- tion is the electroretinogram, ERG, which, in spite of its value in a few conditions, has not so far proved of very general use. The reason for this seems to be that the ERG is basically an index of the function of the retinal neurones, a less sensitive one than the patient's sensation.