Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science Cover Image for Volume 58, Issue 8
June 2017
Volume 58, Issue 8
Open Access
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   June 2017
Evaluation of a soft, disposable, conformal ERG lens electrode prototype vs. Burian-Allen lens and DTL
fiber electrodes
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Safa Rahmani
    Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • Tamas Ban
    RetMap, Inc., Greys Lake , Illinois, United States
  • Shresta Patangay
    Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Jason C Park
    Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • J Jason McAnany
    Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • John R Hetling
    Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships   Safa Rahmani, RetMap, Inc. (I); Tamas Ban, RetMap, Inc. (I); Shresta Patangay, None; Jason Park, None; J Jason McAnany, None; John Hetling, RetMap, Inc. (I)
  • Footnotes
    Support  None
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science June 2017, Vol.58, 4890. doi:
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      Safa Rahmani, Tamas Ban, Shresta Patangay, Jason C Park, J Jason McAnany, John R Hetling; Evaluation of a soft, disposable, conformal ERG lens electrode prototype vs. Burian-Allen lens and DTL
      fiber electrodes. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2017;58(8):4890.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Purpose : The Burian-Allen (B-A) contact lens electrode and the DTL fiber electrode (invented in 1954 and 1979, respectively) are the most frequently used electrodes in the US for recording the electroretinogram (ERG), but each present challenges with regard to convenience, safety and/or signal quality. A new design for an ERG electrode (RM) that overcomes many of the limitations of the B-A and DTL electrodes was developed (Fig. 1A-C) and compared to the older designs for signal quality, comfort and ease of use.

Methods : A soft silicone electrode substrate was designed to closely conform to the anterior surface of the eye and position a ring-shaped electrode outside the margin of a dilated pupil. The electrode is recessed within a channel and makes electrical contact via the tear film. The substrate extends beneath the eyelids for stability, and is shaped to prevent blinking. The three electrode styles were compared using full-field flash stimuli in a dark-adapted healthy subject. Responses were evaluated for pre-stimulus noise, a- and b-wave amplitudes, and repeated-measure variability.

Results : Mean a-wave amplitudes (+/-1 SD) were significantly larger with the RM electrode (198+/-13 uV) compared to the B-A electrode (92+/-3 uV) and the DTL electrode (145+/-13 uV); similar results were obtained for b-wave amplitudes. The B-A reference electrode picks up a measurable ERG signal, which is then subtracted from the signal recorded at the corneal electrode by differential amplifiers. A-wave amplitudes for repeated stimuli were most consistent with the B-A electrode, and least consistent with the DTL electrode (standard deviation as % of mean: 4% for B-A, 7% for RM, 9% for DTL). Both DTL and B-A electrodes had significant baseline drift (+/-200 uV) compared to the RM design (+/-50 uV). The RM design was more comfortable and less imposing during installation than the B-A but comparable to the DTL.

Conclusions : The greater signal to noise ratio and lower baseline drift observed with the RM electrode design is attributed to the increased stability on the eye, optimum corneal contact and reference electrode location. These advantages are obtained in a soft, disposable design, increasing patient comfort and safety.

This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.

 

(A) The prototype soft, disposable, conformal ERG electrode (RM). (B) Burian-Allen (B-A) lens electrode.(C) DTL fiber electrode.

(A) The prototype soft, disposable, conformal ERG electrode (RM). (B) Burian-Allen (B-A) lens electrode.(C) DTL fiber electrode.

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