*2.3. Electroretinogram (ERG)*

ERGs were performed using a LKC Bigshot ERG system. Briefly, mice were dark-adapted overnight. The animals were anesthetized with ketamine (80 mg/kg total body mass) and xylazine (15 mg/kg total body mass), then dilated with atropine/phenylephrine under dim red light. Once dilated, animals were exposed to 5 full-field white light flashes at 0.25 and 2.5 cd.s/m<sup>2</sup> under scotopic conditions. The animals were then light-adapted for 5 min and exposed to 10–15 full-field white light flashes at 10 and 25 cd.s/m<sup>2</sup> under photopic conditions. Responses were averaged and analyzed using the LKC EM software.

### *2.4. Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography*

Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were performed using the Phoenix Micron IV retinal imaging microscope (Phoenix Technology Group, Pleasanton, CA, USA). Briefly, mice were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, then dilated with atropine/phenlylephrine, as described above. Once dilated, the animals were placed on the instrument and fundus photographs were taken. Animals were then given intraperitoneal injection of fluorescein (AK-FLUOR 10%, Sigma Pharmaceuticals, North Liberty, IA, USA) and the retinal vasculature was imaged with blue light illumination after 5–8 min when all the vessels were filled.
