Photoreceptor function in infants and children with a history of mild retinopathy of prematurity

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Abstract
Five infants and children with a history of mild retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were tested for postulated alterations in rod photoreceptor function. The photoreceptor responses were derived from the electroretinographic a waves. Postreceptoral components, the b wave and the oscillatory potentials, were also examined. The saturated amplitude and sensitivity of the rod photoreceptor responses were low, except for the sensitivity in one patient. The b-wave sensitivity was low, but saturated amplitudes were within the 95% prediction interval for normal. The amplitudes of the oscillatory-potential responses were also attenuated. The results indicate that retinal dysfunction may be present in patients with a history of mild ROP long after the ROP has completely resolved. Additionally, the data suggest that the photoreceptors are the primary site of retinal dysfunction in mild ROP.