Macular pigment optical density in a Chinese sample.
OBJECTIVE
Extensive efforts have been devoted to determining the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in Caucasian subjects. Unfortunately, no such data in ethnic groups with naturally dark irises are currently available. In this study, we report the values in a sample of Chinese subjects.


METHODS
The MPOD was measured psychophysically using a densitometer at 0.25 degrees , 0.50 degrees , 1.00 degrees , and 2.00 degrees eccentricity from the foveal center in 92 Chinese subjects.


RESULTS
The spatial profile for the averaged MPOD was approximately exponential in form and showed a decline with age (r = -0.23). Subjects aged below 60 years had significantly higher averaged MPOD than those aged 60 years or above. Significant gender differences, in favor of males, were also found in the middle-age groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study reports for the first time the MPOD in a Chinese population. Baseline information on MPOD would aid future research in preventive measures against age-related macular degeneration.
Lam
Robert F
RF
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
Rao
Srinivas K
SK
Fan
Dorothy S P
DS
Lau
Fion T C
FT
Lam
Dennis S C
DS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D044466:Asian People; D003720:Densitometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010783:Photometry / Q000379:methods; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000032:analysis*
D012168:Retinal Pigments