Characterization of pathogenetically distinct phenotypes of MS by electroretinography and neuro-ophthalmological examination
Principle investigator: Prof. Dr. Klara Landau and PD Dr. Christine Gerth-Kahlert
Research focus
Our purpose is to assess detailed retinal, optic nerve and ocular motor function by psychophysical and electrophysiological methods in patients with newly diagnosed RRMS and patients with an acute episode of optic neuritis (ON). Patients diagnosed with MS with or without a history of optic neuritis or other ocular manifestation will be included. Each patient will receive a comprehensive eye examination. The following tests will be performed:
Electrophysiology
- Scotopic and photopic fullfield (ff) electroretinogram (ERG)
- photopic negative response (PhNR) of the flash ERG
- photopic multifocal (mf) ERG
- pattern visual evoked potentials (VEP)
- mfVEP
Psychophysics
- visual acuity
- color vision
- static perimetry
Video oculography
- Internuclear ophthalmoplegia
- Gaze-evoked nystagmus
Patients will be tested at baseline and in 6 month-intervals. Data will be analyzed and correlated with morphological characterization using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and brain MRI.