Affiliation:
1. Clinic of Ophthalmology, „Lozenets“ University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Sofia University „Sv. Kliment Ohridski“ – Sofia , Bulgaria
2. Medical Center “Ophtha-Neuro” – Sofia , Bulgaria
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To present the importance of the electrophysiological studies for detection of malingering and aggravation in ophthalmology.
Materials and methods
Six eyes of three patients underwent a complete clinical examination, fundus-autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field testing, electrophysiological (EF) studies – full-field, multifocal and pattern electroretinography (ffERG, mfERG and PERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs), for detection of simulation or aggravation.
Results
After the electrophysiological studies’ results, which are objective and non-manipulable, we purposefully reviewed and repeated some of the tests already done, which allowed a comprehensive interpretation of the results. It turned out that discrete changes in targeted search can be detected in several of the studies performed, which greatly facilitates the correct diagnosis.
Conclusion
EF studies are objective methods for studying the visual analyzer’s function, that can not be manipulated, which makes them indispensable for detecting simulation and aggravation in ophthalmology. A detailed extensive study of the degree of simulation and aggravation among the ophthalmological patients is needed, which will enrich our knowledge and make us more precise in our expertise.
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