Use of the scanning laser ophthalmoscope for recording pattern electroretinography and visual evoked cortical potentials

With a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) variable patterned stimuli can be projected onto the retina. During alternation of these patterns visual evoked cortical potentials and pattern ERGs can be recorded. The configurations of the SLO-elicited potentials and peak latencies correspond to those evoked during conventional stimulation. During pattern stimulation the fundus and alternating pattern stimuli are observed simultaneously on a video monitor. Thus the examiner always knows the exact location of the stimulus on the retina. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy could be a clinically interesting method of recording evoked potentials, because it enables the patient's retina to be viewed continuously at low light levels and makes electrophysiological examination of a defined region of the retina possible.