Optical density spectra of the macular pigment in vivo and in vitro.
A precise relative optical density spectrum of the macular pigment, based upon its dichroic properties, was determined. The spectrum proved essentially identical to that of liposome-bound zeaxanthin and lutein, a system duplicating the macular pigment and its environment. Substantial agreement was also found with the spectra of Wyszecki and Stiles (1982, Color science: Concepts and methods, quantitative data and formulae. New York: Wiley) and Vos (1972, Institute for Perception, RVO-TNO, IZF 1972-17, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), and the latter is recommended as a standard. For 7 subjects, the pigment density spectrum derived from foveal and extra-foveal sensitivities was compared with the dichroism-based spectrum. Results indicated that the pigment is described by a common distribution of molecular orientations for all subjects.
Bone
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Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami 33199.
Landrum
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JT
Cains
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D002338:Carotenoids / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D005403:Fixation, Ocular; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000502:physiology; D008433:Mathematics; D008959:Models, Neurological; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D012168:Retinal Pigments; D024341:Xanthophylls; D065146:Zeaxanthins; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids