SHERG: Electroretinography: investigation of a protocol change
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of a protocol change (shorter dark-adaptation) on the electroretinogram (ERG) in an adult patient population(SHERG)
IRAS ID
154448
Contact name
Ruth Hamilton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
We plan to investigate whether an eye test called an electroretinogram (ERG) can be shortened and still produce the same diagnostic results. The results of this study may allow us to shorten test times which will improve patient compliance and increase clinic efficiency.
The ERG is performed in specialist clinics to diagnose or monitor diseases of the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. The retina is stimulated by showing flashes of light to the patient. The electrical response of the patient's retina is captured via delicate electrodes which touch the surface of their eye. For the first part of the test, patients sit in the dark until their eyes 'adjust', and the ERG then tests the cells of the retina responsible for night vision. The international ERG standard says patients must sit in the dark for 20 minutes. We have evidence that the ERG is equally useful after only 10 minutes in the dark. We plan to record ERGs from patients twice: once after waiting only 10 minutes, then again in the same session, after waiting a further 10 minutes to make up the full 20 minutes in the dark. If the difference is suitably small, we could justify shortening the routine patient protocol from 20 minutes to 10 minutes waiting in the dark.Subjects for this study will be recruited from the adult population routinely attending for an outpatient ERG test. During their routine ERG test, 10 minutes into the 20 minute wait in the dark, we propose recording an additional, identical set of ERG tests. This will not add extra time to the clinical test.
Participants will not need any follow-up for the research study. We need 262 patients to test our hypothesis, and we estimate this will take about 5-6 months.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0194
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion