We studied the electroretinogram in normal patients, patients with opacities of the anterior segment, and patients with vitreous hemorrage, using a high-intensity light stimulus delivered either through the sclera or through the pupil. We found the response obtained with transscleral stimulation a consistent indicator of gross retinal function. Since the stimulus entered the eye through the sclera, it provided a method for studying the retinal responses independent of opaque or translucent media.