Purpose To determine whether retinal dysfunction in obligate carriers of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) could be observed in local
electroretinographic responses obtained with the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).
Methods Nine obligate carriers of XLRS (mean age, 46.2 years) were examined for the study. Examination of each carrier included an
ocular examination and mfERG testing. For the mfERG, we used a 103-scaled hexagonal stimulus array that subtended a retinal
area of approximately 40° in diameter. The amplitudes and implicit times in each location for the mfERG were compared with
the corresponding values determined for a group of 34 normally-sighted, age-similar control subjects.
Results Mapping of 103 local electroretinographic response amplitudes and implicit times within a central 40° area with the mfERG
showed regions of reduced mfERG amplitudes and delayed implicit times in two of nine carriers.
Conclusions The mfERG demonstrated areas of retinal dysfunction in two carriers of XLRS. When present, retinal dysfunction was evident
in the presence of a normal-appearing fundus. Multifocal ERG testing can be useful for identifying some carriers of XLRS.
Keywords Carriers - Multifocal electroretinography - Situs inversus - X-linked retinoschisis