Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Nitrous oxide influences pattern EP estimate of visual acuity

  • Published:
Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The effect of nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation on the pattern EP with the onset and disappearance of checkerboard patterns was studied in four healthy volunteers. Checkerboards with checks ranging from 2 to 55 min of arc were presented to subjects sedated at various levels. Under the highest level introduced, 60% N2O, fixation of the pattern was still adequate. The major consistent changes in the pattern onset EP under N2O inhalation are (a) preferential attenuation of the response to small checks and (b) an increase of the response amplitude to large checks. The change in the amplitude versus check-size curve under N2O inhalation restricts the assessment of visual acuity on the basis of the pattern EP. In patients sedated with N2O, EP methods can be used only as a gross indicant of visual acuity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bagolini B, Penne A, Fonda S, Mazzetti A (1979) Pattern reversal visually evoked potentials in general anaesthesia. Albrecht von Graefes Arch Klin Exp Ophthalmol 209: 231–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Howe JW, Mitchell KW, English M (1981) Changes in the visual evoked response during nitrous oxide inhalation. Doc Ophthalmol Proc Series Vol 27, Spekreijse H, Apkarian PA (eds) Dr W Junk Publishers, The Hague, pp 401–409

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeffreys DA, Axford JG (1972a) Source location of pattern-specific components of human visual evoked potentials. I. Components of striate cortical origin. Exp Brain Res 16: 1–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeffreys DA, Axford JG (1972b) Source location of pattern-specific components of human visual evoked potentials. II. Components of extrastriate origin. Exp Brain Res 16: 22–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Kulikowski JJ, Leisman G (1973) The effect of nitrous oxide on the relation between the evoked potential and contrast threshold. Vision Res 13: 2079–2086

    Google Scholar 

  • Spekreijse H (1978) Maturation of contrast EPs and development of visual resolution. Arch Ital Biol 116: 358–369

    Google Scholar 

  • Spekreijse H (1980) Pattern evoked potentials: principles, methodology and phenomenology. In: Barber C (ed) Evoked Potentials. Proceedings of an International Evoked Potentials Symposium, held in Nottingham, England. MTP Press Ltd. Lancaster pp 55–74

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, Department of Visual System Analysis, le Helmersstraat 104, 1054 EG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Heleen van der Marel & Henk Spekreijse

  2. Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Amsterdam, Wilhelmina Gasthuis, le Helmersstraat 104, 1054 EG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Herman van Beem

Authors
  1. Heleen van der Marel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Herman van Beem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Henk Spekreijse
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

van der Marel, H., van Beem, H. & Spekreijse, H. Nitrous oxide influences pattern EP estimate of visual acuity. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 218, 250–252 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02175891

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02175891

Keywords

Search

Navigation