Get Up to Speed with ERG: Dispelling Common Myths
blog post submitted by Diopsys, ASCO Corporate Contributor
Many ophthalmologists and optometrists have an outdated view of electroretinography (ERG)—one that associates the use and function of older ERG technology rather than the modern visual electrophysiology tools used by eye care professionals today. This means that common myths still making their way around the eye care ecosystem are preventing doctors from exploring the potential value that ERG could bring to both their practice and their patients.
Over decades, ERG vision testing equipment—how it is used in the office, how it impacts the patient experience, how results are read, how it supports treatments—has evolved in big ways to become an essential part of a high-performing eye care environment. But a recent survey reveals that 28% of practicing eye care specialists fail to consider adding electrophysiology to their practice because they feel that they don’t know enough about it.1
What have you heard about ERG testing? Let’s look at the myths that might be leading you to overlook this technology.
Get up to speed with ERG innovation below and read a free eBook for more information in one convenient package.
What is an ERG Test?
ERG is a type of light induced visual-response (LIV) testing that measures retina function. A functional test conducted with ERG technology can support a specialist’s treatment recommendations in a way that structural tests like the OCT cannot. In fact, both types of tests can be leveraged at various points throughout a patient’s course of care. This ideal application can be seen in a variety of case studies, like this one about a retina specialist’s experience treating a patient on anti-VEGF medication.
Common Myth: Length & Patient-Friendliness
A common belief held by those unfamiliar with modern electroretinography is that that ERG tests are time-consuming endeavors that negatively impact the patient experience. This is no longer true. While testing technology many years ago may have been intrusive to patients, ERG tests today use easy to apply disposable sensors that are placed on the lower lid and forehead for a simple, noninvasive testing experience. Patient set-up and testing is also faster and easier for technicians to perform, which means the current flow of an office won’t be drastically affected by introducing ERG. Eye care practices can easily integrate electroretinography into their everyday schedules and processes.
Common Myth: Interpretation of Results
ERG results of the past were difficult to interpret, and at the time, university researchers were the only people who had the means of performing tests and reviewing the results for others. Now, ERG results are laid out in a way that’s intuitive and contains relevant information specialists need—at their own offices—to make diagnostic and treatment decisions. Many include color-coded reference ranges for straightforward interpretation.
What have you heard about ERG? Take the time to learn more about modern electroretinography solutions to get up to speed on advancements in technology and see if it’s right for your practice.
Interested in discovering the truth behind more common ERG myths? Download this free resource.
Read the eBook Dispelling the Myths of ERG: Discovering Modern Electroretinography to:
- Catch up with the innovation occurring in electroretinography
- Discover the truth behind five of the most common ERG myths
- Learn what to look for in today’s ERG products and providers
Download your free eBook here: https://info.diopsys.com/dispelling-the-myths-of-erg-modern-electroretinography
See the original blog post here https://info.diopsys.com/blog/get-up-to-speed-with-erg-dispelling-common-myths
- Visual Electrophysiology Survey, Diopsys, Inc.
