AIM: To investigate the clinical value of dark adaptation 3.0 oscillatory potentials in central retinal vein occlusion.

METHODS: Eighty-four patients(84 eyes)with central retinal vein occlusion were divided into 4 groups: no wave type(16 cases), grossly decreased type(27 cases), middle decreased type(20 cases)and slightly decreased type(21 cases)accorded to the normal value of this experiment. The initial diagnosis was the examination of oscillatory potentials. No wave and grossly decreased type were first diagnosed as ischemic central retinal vein occlusion, middle and slightly decreased type were first diagnosed as non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. The patients were followed up for 6mo, recorded and contrasted the examination results between anterior and posterior. There were 76 cases having integrated data(8 cases were lost).

RESULTS: No wave and grossly decreased type were ultimately diagnosed as ischemic central retinal vein occlusion(34 cases, 83%), middle decreased type(5 cases, 25%)and slightly decreased type(0 case). There was statistically significant difference between the three groups(χ²=34.5, P<0.01). The statistical difference still existed comparing the grossly decreased type and the middle decreased type with slightly decreased type(P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the middle and slightly decreased type(P=0.036).

CONCLUSION: The early oscillatory potential amplitudes of central retinal vein occlusion is decreased, which has important significance for early classification and prognosis of central retinal vein occlusion.