title: Macular pigment optical density in a Central European population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to measure the macular pigment optical density and study its spatial profile as well as identify its determinant factors in a Central European population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and its distribution were assessed in 228 eyes of 129 subjects using fundus reflectometry with the Visucam 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant positive association between a diet rich in xanthophylls and all MPOD values was found. A positive monotonic relationship was demonstrated between an increasing degree in pigment distribution eccentricity and age, as well as all MPOD values except for area.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assuming that macular pigment is protective against age-related macular degeneration, our study highlights the role of nutritional counseling and intervention in preventing this disease. Furthermore, MPOD appears to increase with age, and the distribution of macular pigment appears to form more eccentric profiles.
authors.affiliation: Staedtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Augenklinik, Karlsruhe, Germany. antoniospipis@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pipis
authors.forename: Eftychia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Touliou
authors.forename: Albert J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Augustin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003720:Densitometry; D004032:Diet; D005060:Europe; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000032:analysis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D012168:Retinal Pigments; D024341:Xanthophylls; D014975:Lutein