Pattern ERG can be recorded using what type of stimuli?

• A. Only monochrome non-patterned stimuli
• B. Patterned stimuli such as a checkerboard
• C. Only color-changing stimuli
• D. No stimuli changes

Answer: (B)

Pattern ERG relies on the retina’s response to a patterned, high-contrast image rather than just a change in overall light level. A checkerboard or similar grating presents alternating dark and light areas that reverse or drift, which engages the inner retina, especially the ganglion cells and their pathways. This spatially structured stimulation yields a reliable pattern-evoked response and is used to assess how well the ganglion cells and optic nerve are functioning. Simple monochrome, non-patterned light changes or color shifts don’t provide the same spatial cues, so they don’t reliably produce pattern ERG. That’s why patterned stimuli such as a checkerboard is the expected approach.