by Introduction
The electroretinogram (ERG) is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity generated in the retina in response to a light stimulus. An ERG recording provides an objective measurement of retinal function. It is used to diagnose eye diseases and monitor changes in retinal conditions over time. With global ophthalmic conditions on the rise due to an aging population and increased lifestyle diseases, ERG testing is gaining importance worldwide as an effective screening and diagnostic tool. This article discusses the global trends in ERG testing adoption and its significance in comprehensive eye care.
Emerging Markets Drive Demand for Electroretinogram Devices
According to a recent report by Global Market Insights, the global electroretinogram market size was valued at USD 31 million in 2018 and is expected to witness over 5% CAGR from 2019 to 2025. Rapid urbanization, growing health awareness, and increasing focus on early disease detection are fueling the demand for eye care diagnostic devices like ERG machines in emerging economies. Asia Pacific currently dominates the ERG device market owing to large patient pools and rising healthcare expenditure in countries such as China, India, and South Korea. Latin America and Middle Eastern regions are also witnessing a significant adoption of ERG tests during the forecast period. Major manufacturers are targeting these emerging markets through tie-ups with regional hospitals and eye care clinics to increase product access and market penetration.
Key Applications of Electroretinogram Assessment
Retinal Disease Diagnosis: ERG testing plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring various retinal diseases that cause abnormalities in retinal activity. It can detect conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and more.
Clinical Trials: ERG responses are measured in new drug development studies for medications targeting retinal conditions. It helps evaluate the efficacy and safety of investigational therapies. Global Electroretinogram endpoints are increasingly being incorporated into glaucoma and macular degeneration trial designs.
Pre-operative Screening: Full-field ERG aids in pre-operative assessment of patients undergoing complex retinal surgeries or procedures involving risks of photoreceptor damage. Abnormal ERG results help surgeons plan surgery strategies to minimize functional losses.
Monitoring Disease Progression: Serial ERG recordings allow objective quantification of vision changes over time in patients with progressive retinal diseases. Rate of decline or improvement in ERG responses guides treatment modifications and prognostication.
Role of ERG in Eye Health Screening Programs
Several developing nations are incorporating ERG screening into national vision programs aimed at preventing blindness. Countries face a huge economic burden due to the decreasing productivity of blind citizens and the escalating costs of their medical care. Regular eye checks that include ERG testing especially for at-risk groups can facilitate early detection of retinal diseases. Some notable examples are:
India launched the National Program for Control of Blindness in 1976 which trains eye technicians to conduct portable ERG screenings in rural areas alongside other tests.
China’s Golden Vision Project since 1990 has conducted over 300 million eye exams including ERG to identify treatable conditions in poor regions.
Vision 2020 Australia advocates population-based ERG screening of indigenous communities with elevated risk of retinal abnormalities.
Many African countries partner with global aid agencies to set up mobile screening units that perform low-cost point-of-care ERG and fund treatment of identified cases.
Future Outlook
With increasing healthcare access and growing awareness, a majority of the global population will have ERG testing available to them in the next 10-15 years. Universal coverage of retinal screening programs incorporating ERG is critical to prevent millions of avoidable cases of blindness. Technological advancements are also driving the ERG market with newer portable devices, tele-ERG capabilities for remote disease monitoring, online reporting systems, and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis tools. Overall, electroretinogram is emerging as an important method for global eye health surveillance, especially in low to middle-income countries. Widespread adoption of ERG testing will be pivotal in combating vision loss worldwide.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
