Electrical activity of the retina in relation to histological differentiation in infants born prematurely and at full-term
article
An investigation of electrical activity of the retina in new-born infants has shown the ERG to be invariably demonstrable shortly after birth, both in premature and in full-term infants. This ERG was identical in form with that of the adult; the amplitude of the a + b potential ranged from 40 to 140 μV. The amplitude of the ERG depended primarily on the intensity of the stimulating light, as it was found that a much higher intensity was needed than for adults. In the second place the amplitude depended on the degree of dark-adaptation. Moreover it was further noted that the amplitude increased steadily with the growth of the child. The electroretinographic CFF in the neonate was determined by the method of selective amplification. The values thus obtained corresponded to those for the adult eye. This is in conformity with the histological development of the retina at the time of birth, at which time both rods and cones are clearly discernible. The idea that the cones are still functionless at birth is subjected to critical examination.
TNO Identifier
1007206
Source
Vision Research, 2(9-10), pp. 269-276.
Pages
269-276
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