What is the primary purpose of an electroretinogram (ERG) in ophthalmic practice?

The primary purpose of an electroretinogram (ERG) is to evaluate retinal response. This specialized test measures the electrical activity of the retinal cells in response to light stimuli. By assessing how these cells react, healthcare providers can gain insights into the functional status of the retina, which is crucial for diagnosing various retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and other conditions that can affect vision.

Other options, such as measuring visual acuity or assessing peripheral vision, do not provide insights into the biochemical or electrical activity of the retina itself. Instead, these measures typically assess overall visual function and field of view, which are distinct from the specific electrical responses recorded during an ERG test. Checking intraocular pressure is a completely different parameter associated with glaucoma and other conditions but does not involve the evaluation of retinal function directly, making it unrelated to the primary purpose of an ERG.