Aim

To present current knowledge about visual pathway dysfunction observed in patients with depressive disorders, as well as to describe results of pattern electroretinography (PERG) in patient with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Material and methods

Searches concerning examinations: full field electroretinography (ERG), pattern electroretinography and pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) in depressive disorders were found in the PubMed database. Also, we present PERG results in the patient with major depressive disorder. The electrophysiological measurements were performed according to the guidelines of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision – 2010 update or 2016 update (ISCEV).

Results

The majority of published studies confirm the thesis that visual pathway dysfunction can be detected in patients with depressive disorders. Our pattern electroretinogram results in the patient with MDD revealed ganglion cell dysfuntion.

Conclusions

In depressive disorders visual pathway dysfunction measured by retinal electrophysiological tests, presumably can serve as marker of neurotransmission in central nervous system. We assume ERG, PERG and PVEP examinations might be diagnostic tools and help to monitor therapy in patients with depressive disorders.