Pattern electroretinography and retinal changes in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Abstract

To objectively explore retinal neuronal function by pattern electroretinography (PERG) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 at different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). A group of 84 patients with DM was studied, divided into three subgroups according to the degree of retinal changes. The first subgroup consisted of patients without DR (n=28), the second patients with initial DR (n=27) and the third patients with advanced DR (n=29). Controls were 47 healthy individuals. PERG was performed and latency and amplitude were analyzed. PERG results were affected in DM patients including the group without DR; abnormalities were more severe in patients with advanced DR. PERG could be used as an objective method providing evidence of early changes in retinal neuron function in DM patients, including at preclinical stages. It is useful for monitoring disease progression, as it is non-invasive, harmless, rapid, inexpensive and readily repeatable.