Case Studies

When Standard Tests Aren’t Enough: Using ERG to Support Diagnosis in Case with High Myopia

In this case study, early ERG testing with the RETeval device helped aid in the right diagnosis and avoid unnecessary procedures and risks.

DR Score Helps Overcome Blind Faith in Popular Weight Loss Drug

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

Patients with diabetes don’t always comply with prescribed courses of treatment, despite structural abnormalities that threaten their vision – instead, they may rely on medication to control their symptoms. Jeffrey Calhoun, OD, FAAO, an optometrist in Williamsville, NY, utilized his RETeval handheld ERG’s predictive DR Score to educate a patient on his risk of vision loss despite controlling his blood sugar with Ozempic.

A Family Affair: ERG-Guided Care for a Married Couple

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

A married couple, both of whom have a history of diabetes, presented on the same day for routine comprehensive vision examinations. Neither patient reported any new vision complaints, and their eyesight was easily correctable to 20/20 with minimal change in refractive error.

ERG Supported Cataract Treatment Decision in Dementia Patient, Improving Vision and Emotional Well Being

An ERG test with the RETeval supported the decision for cataract surgery in a dementia patient restoring his vision and improving well-being.

DR Score Prompts Critical Referral

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

When a patient with well-controlled diabetes came in for an exam, the RETeval device’s predictive DR Score revealed significantly compromised retinal function incongruous with the mild retinopathy previously detected, prompting a critical referral to a retina specialist.

A Tale of Two Patients: How ERG Uncovered Hidden Differences

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

Explore how Dr. Kelly MacDonald treated two patients that visited her office in the same day and presented very similarly, until ERG uncovered their hidden differences.

ERG Supports Treatment Decision in Diabetic Retinopathy

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

For some patients with DR, the decision to initiate laser treatment can be difficult. In some cases, favorable RETeval results may support monitoring the patient over time instead of treating immediately.

ERG Demonstrates Stable Function Despite Severe Structural Damage

Focus on Glaucoma

Explore how the RETeval provided an objective, non-invasive way to monitor progression of ganglion cell function.

Differential Diagnosis of Glaucoma-Like Lesions Using Photopic Negative Response 

Focus on Glaucoma

Explore how photopic negative response (PhNR) testing helped differentiate glaucoma-like lesions from normal anatomical variants in an adult patient. Case study by Bartłomiej Kocurek & Prof. Adrian Smedowski, Medical University of Silesia.

Photopic Negative Response as a Reliable Method for Glaucoma Follow up in Children 

Focus on Glaucoma

Using PhNR for pediatric glaucoma monitoring when OCT and perimetry aren’t possible. This case study from the Medical University of Silesia demonstrates how the Photopic Negative Response (PhNR) test using the RETeval® ERG device supported diagnosis and treatment monitoring in a 7-year-old girl with congenital glaucoma.

Vision Complaints Reflected on ERG

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

Faced with a diabetic patient reluctant to change his habits despite bothersome vision loss, Dr. Nate Lighthizer used the RETeval DR Score to demonstrate risk and motivate him to begin nutritional supplementation.

The Predictive Value of Combining Diagnostic Technologies

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

Explore this case as Dr. Paul Chous leverages his RETeval to determine an appropriate follow-up schedule.

ERG Provides Clarity When Fields and OCT are Inconclusive

Focus on Glaucoma

Explore this case by Dr. Michael Cymbor that represents the complexity and overlap between diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy.

ERG Raises Red Flag, Changing Management Trajectory

Focus on Retinitis Pigmentosa

A complaint of difficulty driving at night is not uncommon for an optometrist to hear, but when one patient mentioned this during his routine exam, his visual acuity of 20/20 signaled Dr. Frances Bynum, OD, FAAO, to look further.

ERG Provides Confidence to Monitor or Treat

Focus on Glaucoma

Explore how Dr. Nate Lighthizer treated a patient who was diagnosed with glaucoma five years prior and referred to his clinic for additional testing.

ERG to Determine Ischemic Status

Focus on Retinal Vein Occulsion

Explore how Dr. Nate Lighthizer treated a 50-year-old female patient who initially presented for punctal plugs. Although she wasn’t scheduled for a retinal evaluation, a resident noticed reduced vision in her left eye.

ERG to Replace FA for CRVO Treatment Decision

Focus on Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Dr. Miho Nozaki demonstrates the value of RETeval ERG for diagnosing CRVO in complex cases, where conventional testing poses risks.

Using ERG to Monitor Glaucoma

Focus on Glaucoma

Explore the use of Electroretinography (ERG) in managing Glaucoma through a case study by Dr. Edith Rom, Germany.

ERG Alters Follow-up Schedule and Education for Patient with Diabetes

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

A 33-year-old Native American female presented because she lost her glasses a year prior. From a visual standpoint, she was doing well. She didn’t report any changes in her vision and was corrected to 20/20 in both eyes (-1.25 OD, -1.00 OS). Her last A1c was 10.0, which is certainly higher than we would like to see.

Using ERG for Management of Birdshot Chorioretinopathy  

Focus on Retinal Inflammation

Explore the use of Electroretinography (ERG) in managing Birdshot Chorioretinopathy through a detailed case study by Prof. Paulo Eduardo Stanga and team at The Retina Clinic London. This study examines a 62-year-old patient’s journey from initial diagnosis to advanced treatment, including intravitreal therapy and immunosuppressive therapy.

Comprehensive Pediatric Assessment Using ERG in Challenging Cases

Focus on Inherited Retinal Degenerations

Learn how Dr. Mario Zanolli utilized ERG to assess a 4-year-old boy with nystagmus when standard imaging techniques proved challenging. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of ERG in pediatric cases where traditional methods may not provide clear results.

Routine ERG Use Supports Patient Management

Focus on Optic Neuritis

Subjective functional assessments don’t always yield useful information. Bradley Grant, an optometrist in Shelbyville, IL, utilized his RETeval handheld ERG to determine the appropriate follow-up schedule for a patient with multiple sclerosis, while leveraging the easy-to-interpret, objective functional data to educate the patient on the importance of resuming care with their neurologist.

ERG Above and Beyond Retinal Imaging

Focus on Inherited Retinal Degenerations

A 7-year-old child was referred to confirm a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis following a brain scan. The patient complained of visual changes but identifying the cause was complex due to limited patient cooperation. We obtained color fundus and OCT images, both of which appeared to be normal. A flash visual evoked potential (VEP) test was conducted at another clinical site, but the outcome was unreadable.

ERG’s Role in Diabetic Retinopathy Progression Monitoring  

Focus on Diabetic Retinopathy

Explore how Dr. Pamela Weber used the RETeval ERG/VEP to monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy in a 39-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes. The case study shows how early detection and monitoring with advanced retinal imaging can lead to timely and more aggressive treatment, improving patient outcomes.