Name of the Procedure:

Electro-oculography (EOG)

Summary

Electro-oculography (EOG) is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the retina and the eye muscles in response to different light stimuli. The test helps evaluate the function of the retina and detect disorders related to the eyes' ability to move.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an EOG is to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal dystrophies. It also helps in assessing eye movement disorders and can be used in some neurological evaluations.

Indications

• Unexplained vision problems
• Symptoms of retinal diseases (e.g., night blindness, peripheral vision loss)
• Suspected or diagnosed retinitis pigmentosa
• Eye movement disorders
• In some cases, neurological evaluations

Preparation

• No special dietary restrictions.
• Patients should inform the healthcare provider of any medications they are taking.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup on the day of the test.
• Contact lenses should be removed before the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will sit in a chair or lie down.
2. A technician will apply small, adhesive electrodes around the eyes.
3. The patient will be asked to follow a series of light stimuli with their eyes.
4. The electrical activity generated by eye movements and the retina's response to light will be recorded by the electrodes.
5. The collected data is then analyzed to produce a report, which will be interpreted by a specialist.

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Electro-oculography is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or an eye specialist's office.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or Optometrist
• Trained Technician or Assistant

Risks and Complications

• Skin irritation from adhesive electrodes (rare)
• Temporary discomfort or fatigue from following light stimuli

Benefits

• Non-invasive and relatively quick
• Provides valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring retinal and eye movement disorders
• Helps guide treatment decisions

Recovery

• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the test.
• There may be slight skin irritation from the electrodes, but this typically resolves quickly.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any necessary treatment.

Alternatives

• Electroretinography (ERG): Measures electrical responses of various cell types in the retina.
• Visual field testing: Assesses the peripheral vision.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Imaging test that provides detailed images of the retina.
• Pros and Cons: EOG is specifically useful for diagnosing certain conditions and is non-invasive, but may be supplemented or replaced by these other tests depending on the specific condition being investigated.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may feel mild discomfort from the electrodes and the task of following light stimuli can be a bit tiring. Overall, the procedure is painless and any mild irritation from electrodes will quickly subside post-procedure. Comfort measures include ensuring the patient is relaxed and explaining each step to alleviate any anxiety.