How Electroretinograms (ERGs) Help Detect and Track Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma

Early detection is everything!

Now for patients with diabetes or glaucoma, that means going beyond the typical eye exam. A new, powerful tool Dr. Meers will use to detect early changes in the retina is the electroretinogram (ERG) – a non-invasive test that measures how well the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye) is working.

We’ll explain how an ERG works and how it can help identify and track diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, even before symptoms start.

What Is an Electroretinogram (ERG)?

An ERG measures the electrical signals produced by your retina in response to flashes of light or patterns. These signals help us understand how well different layers of the retina – like photoreceptors, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells – are functioning. The results appear as waves on a graph – kind of like a heart monitor (EKG) for your eyes.

ERG and Diabetic Retinopathy: Catching Problems Before You See Them

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the tiny blood vessels in the retina. But retinal nerve cells can start to malfunction even before these vessels show signs of damage – and that’s where the ERG shines.

The ERG gives us a sneak peek at how your retina is functioning – often before diabetic retinopathy shows up on a photo or scan.

ERG and Glaucoma: A Window Into Nerve Cell Health

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it damages your retinal ganglion cells – the cells that connect your eyes to your brain – slowly and without early symptoms.

Traditional tests like visual fields and OCT scans show where damage has occurred. But the ERG helps reveal how well those cells are functioning.

ERG helps us detect and monitor ganglion cell function early, making it a valuable tool in catching glaucoma before significant vision loss occurs.

Why Functional Testing Matters

Many eye diseases, especially glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, affect the retina functionally before structural damage is visible. That’s why combining structural tests like OCT with functional tests like the ERG gives a more complete picture of your eye health.

What This Means for You

If you’re living with diabetes or are at risk for glaucoma, ask your eye doctor if an ERG is right for you. It’s a quick, painless way to catch changes early – giving you the best chance to preserve your vision and minimize damage.

Need to schedule an eye exam or ask about advanced retinal testing like ERG?
Contact us at Tacoma Eye at Westgate or call us at 253-220-2563 today to learn how we protect your vision with the latest technology.