First Working Prototype of a Configurable Full-Field Stimulus Source for Electrodiagnostic Vision Testing

The electroretinogram, or ERG, records the electrical activity of the retina in response to light. Progressive diseases affecting the retina can cause irreversible damage to the visual system and therefore, early diagnosis and disease management is imperative. Functional changes to the cells in the retina can precede noticeable changes to visual perception, making early diagnosis challenging. Conventional ERG stimulus sources are limited to targeting the central visual field or taking an averaged response across the entire retina. The work described in this thesis attempts to close this technology gap through the development of a peripheral retina stimulator source that is capable of chromatic stimulation, and the execution of nine different protocols, including tests associated with full-field flash ERG, flicker ERG, and pattern ERG. The present work involves the completion of the remaining design, material selection, fabrication, and assembly of the peripheral retina stimulator source prototype. Development of the software along with the evaluation of the prototype against design requirements according to ISCEV standards for ERG testing will be discussed.