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Open Access 01-10-2018 | Original Research Article

Effect of varying skin surface electrode position on electroretinogram responses recorded using a handheld stimulating and recording system

Authors: Angharad E. Hobby, Diana Kozareva, Ekaterina Yonova-Doing, Ibtesham T. Hossain, Mohamed Katta, Byki Huntjens, Christopher J. Hammond, Alison M. Binns, Omar A. Mahroo

Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Purpose

A handheld device (the RETeval system, LKC Technologies) aims to increase the ease of electroretinogram (ERG) recording by using specially designed skin electrodes, rather than corneal electrodes. We explored effects of electrode position on response parameters recorded using this device.

Methods

Healthy adult twins were recruited from the TwinsUK cohort and underwent recording of light-adapted flicker ERGs (corresponding to international standard stimuli). In Group 1, skin electrodes were placed in a “comfortable” position, which was up to 20 mm below the lid margin. For subsequent participants (Group 2), the electrode was positioned 2 mm from the lid margin as recommended by the manufacturer. Amplitudes and peak times (averaged from both eyes) were compared between groups after age-matching and inclusion of only one twin per pair. Light-adapted flicker and flash ERGs were recorded for an additional 10 healthy subjects in two consecutive recording sessions: in the test eye, electrode position was varied from 2 to 10–20 mm below the lid margin between sessions; in the fellow (control) eye, the electrode was 2 mm below the lid margin throughout. Amplitudes and peak times (test eye normalised to control eye) were compared for the two sessions.

Results

Including one twin per pair, and age-matching yielded 28 individuals per group. Flicker ERG amplitudes were significantly lower for Group 1 than Group 2 participants (p = 0.0024). However, mean peak times did not differ between groups (p = 0.54). For the subjects in whom electrode position was changed between recording sessions, flash and flicker amplitudes were significantly lower when positioned further from the lid margin (p < 0.005), but peak times were similar (p > 0.5).

Conclusions

Moving the skin electrodes further from the lid margin significantly reduces response amplitudes, highlighting the importance of consistent electrode positioning. However, this does not significantly affect peak times. Thus, it may be feasible to adopt a more comfortable position in participants who cannot tolerate the recommended position if analysis is restricted to peak time parameters.

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Title: Effect of varying skin surface electrode position on electroretinogram responses recorded using a handheld stimulating and recording system
Authors: Angharad E. Hobby
Diana Kozareva
Ekaterina Yonova-Doing
Ibtesham T. Hossain
Mohamed Katta
Byki Huntjens
Christopher J. Hammond
Alison M. Binns
Omar A. Mahroo
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0012-4486
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2622
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-018-9652-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effect of varying skin surface electrode position on electroretinogram responses recorded using a handheld stimulating and recording system

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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