Common Meds & Retinal Function

Are you thinking deeper?...

The effects of medications on electroretinogram (ERG) findings has been an important area of interest in understanding retinal function and potential compromised vision - in addition to the role of ERG for refined diagnostics.

Various classes of medications, including antiepileptics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antimalarials, have been shown to significantly alter key ERG components such as a-wave, b-wave, oscillatory potentials, and photopic response. For example, antiepileptics tend to dampen b-wave amplitude, representing disruptions in photoreceptor or bipolar cell activity, while beta-blockers may affect retinal blood flow, subsequently influencing oscillatory potentials. These effects also highlight the necessity of obtaining a proper medical history prior to ERG testing, as they can confound the interpretation of results and lead to misdiagnosis of retinal disorders. However, most importantly, this is a reminder of potential adverse effects of many common medications in terms of altering vision.

Understanding relationships between common long-term medications many of our patients are being treated with and retinal function, thus vision, matters for those of us on the front lines to provide appropriate ophthalmic medical care. And the implications can be significant reminding us to be fully informed about our patients medical history. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of pharmacology and how medications may alter retinal function will enhance our diagnostic accuracy and improve management.

-JRM

Go the article from Survey of Ophthalmology HERE.

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