The U-M Kellogg Eye Center provides electrophysiological and psychophysical tests for visual function assessment in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of eye diseases. The diagnostic tests reflect retinal, optic nerve and visual pathway function. Some of the tests include:
- Kinetic Visual Field Test with Goldmann perimeter (GVF)
- Static Perimetry with Humphrey perimeter (HVF)
- Color Vision - Ishihara, HRR, Farnsworth D-15, Farnsworth 100-Hue, Nagel Anamoloscope
- Dark-adaptation (DA)
- Electroretinogram (ERG) - The electroretinogram (ERG) measures the mass electrical activity of the cells within the retina in response to light stimulation. It provides objective information about widespread retinal function of rods and cones, and of the inner retina. It is recorded using a contact lens electrode placed on the cornea after the patient is given topical anesthesia. The patient is presented with a flash of light, and the electrodes record the retinal potentials. The ERG is considered the primary diagnostic test for a variety of retinal dystrophies and degenerations (including retinitis pigmentosa and cone dystrophies), as well as inflammatory, vascular and toxic disorders.
- Electro-oculogram (EOG)
- Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)
- Multifocal ERG (MFERG)
Recommended Tests
| Tentative Diagnosis | Recommended Tests |
| Achromatopsia | ERG, GVF, DA, Color |
| Age-Related Macular Degeneration with light sensitivity (Senile cone degeneration) | ERG, GVF |
| Albinism | ERG, GVF |
| Best’s Disease | ERG, GVF, EOG |
| Cone Dystrophy | ERG, GVF, DA, Color |
| Inflammatory conditions | ERG, GVF |
| Intraocular foreign bodies | ERG, EOG |
| Night Blindness | ERG, GVF, DA |
| Nystagmus | ERG, Color |
| Optic Neuropathy | VEP, Color, ERG |
| Opaque media or trauma | ERG, GVF |
| Photophobia, decreased vision | ERG, GVF, DA |
| Retinal Dystrophy | ERG, GVF, DA, Color |
| Retinitis Pigmentosa | ERG, GVF, DA |
| Retinoschisis | ERG, GVF, DA, Color |
| Stargardt’s Macular Degeneration | ERG, GVF, DA, EOG, Color |
| Toxic conditions | ERG |
| Unexplained visual loss | VEP, ERG, GVF |
Diagnostic Visual Service Group
- Naheed W. Khan, PhD, Co-Director
- Kari E. Branham, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor
- Ashley Moncrief Thompson, BS, Electrophysiology Technician
Referrals
If you have questions or wish to refer a patient for diagnostic visual electrophysiology testing, please call 734-764-4190.
News & Stories
Philanthropy News
Kellogg care inspires gift to vision research
A patient's remarkable outcome after treatment for multiple congenital eye conditions at the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center inspires his family to support vision research.
Health Lab
Mediterranean diet can slow progression of age-related macular degeneration
Fish, vegetables and whole grains in the Mediterranean diet can help reduce progression of age-related macular degeneration and support long term eye health.
Health Lab
Patient with retinitis pigmentosa receives new hope at Kellogg’s low vision clinic
Retinitis pigmentosa can lead to vision loss, but DNA testing, inherited retinal disease research and AI glasses offer new hope.
Health Lab
Rare genetic eye disease treated with gene therapy helps 2 children see again
Mia and Niko Spicer were diagnosed with Leber’s congenital amaurosis type 2, a rare genetic eye disease, and were treated with the gene therapy Luxturna to improve their vision.
Health Lab
Medical students develop novel technological solutions for unmet patient needs
University of Michigan medical students showcased AI-driven healthcare innovation projects focused on melanoma support, transplant recovery and primary care access.
Health Lab
A new clue for aging eyes
Struggling to read more than six lines on an eye chart with fading letters may serve as a visual “yellow light” for older adults—raising red flags that routine exams sometimes fail to detect.
