Changes in spatial extent and peak double optical density of human macular pigment with age.
The purpose of the present work was to estimate the changes in spatial distribution and optical density of macular pigment (MP) with age. A fundus imaging system with high spatial and spectral resolution was adapted to form an indirect ophthalmoscope. The double optical density at 490 nm of the MP as a function of the location in the retina was obtained for 33 healthy subjects (ages: 21-60 years). There was an increase in spatial extent and decrease in double optical density with age. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of MP showed central areas with irregular shapes and a tendency toward asymmetry.
António M G
AM
Baptista
Sérgio M C
SM
Nascimento
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D010858:Pigmentation; D055815:Young Adult