How ERG And VEP Have Shaped Paediatric Diagnosis
It is not always easy to determine how your baby or young kid can see. For this reason, experts in paediatric ophthalmology have devised various electrodiagnostic means to detect vision problems in the young. They include the VEP and ERG tests. These initials stand for ‘visual evoked potential’ and ‘electroretinogram,’ respectively.
An eye doctor in London will use these tests to learn about how the pathway from the eye to the brain via the retina is working. Now, there is no reason not to take your toddler to an eye specialist as there are two effective means to detect vision problems early on.
How they work
There is a section of the brain that is responsible for vision. It reacts by giving off an electrical response whenever a pattern appears or moves, or a light flashes, which is the VEP. The retina also responds in the same way to flashes of light, and it is the ERG. A group of electrodes pick up the VEP and ERG through sensors on the back of the head and on the cheek just below the eye respectively. Doctors measure the response signals in nanovolts or microvolts. In short, the VEP tests the response of the optic nerve while the ERG mainly concentrates on the functioning of your baby’s retina.
Importance of paediatric VEP and ERG tests
With VEP and ERG, a London eye specialist can determine the quality of pattern vision of your baby. He or she can also diagnose problems with the visual pathway, which includes the optic nerve, retina, and brain. Young children usually find it hard to give accurate accounts of their visual abilities, which is why eye doctors use these tests to ascertain how much they can actually see. In select instances, the tests help doctors make correct diagnosis, especially if they cannot pinpoint obvious causes of vision problems in kids.
No pain or risks
Apart from some slight irritation, your baby will not feel pain during the procedure. The discomfort is so minimal that you can successfully distract your baby with a toy while the doctor is working. There are no records of risks associated with the procedures so far, which is great news to parents who may otherwise be averse to the tests.
Want to learn more about VEP and ERG? You may schedule a consultation with a trusted London vision clinic such as Eye Clinic London if you have any lingering questions.
Source:
- (Visual evoked potential (VEP) and electroretinogram (ERG) tests, Gosh.NHS.uk)
About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.
