Selective reduction of the S cone electroretinogram in diabetes.

AIMS: To determine whether the short wavelength sensitive (S) cone electroretinogram (ERG) is selectively altered in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy. METHODS: Ganzfeld spectral flashes in the presence of bright white background illumination were used to elicit S cone ERGs is 15 non-retinopathic diabetics, 16 background retinopathic diabetics, and 16 age matched normal controls. RESULTS: The amplitude of the S cone ERG b-wave was significantly reduced in both non-retinopathic and retinopathic diabetics. An action spectrum based on equal response criteria revealed a selective loss of S cone sensitivity in diabetics. However, no significant difference was observed in the long and middle wavelength sensitive cone ERG. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients showed selective reduction of the S cone ERG, which is thought to reflect changes in the outer retina.