Effect of check size on the pattern reversal visual evoked potential

Modifications of the components of pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PR-VEP) with changes in check size of the stimulating pattern were studied in 11 healthy subjects. We made use of 8 different check size ranging between 10 and 90 min of arc. Changes in the check size modified in different manners the latencies and amplitudes of N75, P100 and N145. Two-step statistical analyses using the polynomial regression analysis method revealed significant modifications of latencies of the 3 components, but non-significant modifications of the amplitudes, except for N75. The latency and amplitude of N75 showed a significant inverse linear relationship with the logarithm of the check size, while the P100 and N145 latencies showed significant curvilinear relationships, with minimal latencies at check sizes around 35 min. These findings suggest different physiological properties of N75 from those of P100 and N145, and hence, the necessity to establish normal values for each check size of stimulation, for application in clinical studies.