PURPOSE. To evaluate macular focal cone ERG (fERG) as a tool for reliable and early detection
of central retinal function decay in cone–rod dystrophy (CRD).
METHODS. A retrospective study of the time course of fERG amplitude and its relation to visual
acuity alterations was performed in 47 CRD patients followed yearly for 6.0 6 3.1 years.
Macular focal cone ERG was evoked by a flickering uniform red field overlaying the central
188 of visual field.
RESULTS. Macular focal cone ERG follow-up allowed a clear-cut identification of CRD patients
as stationary or progressive, in agreement with visual acuity follow-up. In all progressive
patients, fERG declined whenever visual acuity declined, and—in 50% of the cases—fERG loss
anticipated acuity loss of several years.
CONCLUSIONS. Macular focal cone ERG represents a sensitive assay to detect, categorize, and
follow the progression of central retinal dysfunction in CRD. Its use as a diagnostic tool in
CRD may help anticipate, for an individual patient, the likelihood and rate of further disease
progression before visual acuity loss has occurred.
