The effect of a yellow filter on visual performance of older subjects with low macular pigment optical density

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Macular pigment (MP) filters short‐wave light and it has been suggested that MP is related to visual performance. To increase the filtering properties of the eye, especially in subjects with low MP density, we can use a yellow filter that absorbs the amount of blue light striking the retina. This study was performed to relate MP density levels to variations in the mesopic visual function and light scattering provoked by the yellow filter in old subjects. Methods Measurements were obtained from 88 healthy old subjects aged 70 ± 6.3 years. The optical density of the MP was estimated at the fovea using the Metropsis Test (Cambridge Research System). Two groups were established in function of the MP level: MP≤0.2(41 subjects)and MP>0.2(47 subjects. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and scattered light were measured in the right eye with and without a yellow filter under mesopic luminance conditions. Visual acuity was measured using high‐contrast (96%) and low‐contrast (5%) logMAR letter charts. Contrast sensitivity was determined using the Pelli‐Robson chart. Scattered light on the retina was measured using the C‐Quant straylight meter (Oculus). Results Mean foveal MP optical density was 0.22 density units (SD 0.13; range 0.0 to 0.64). Mean mesopic high‐contrast and low‐contrast visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and log scatter recorded with a yellow filter did not show any significant improvement or worsening compared with no filter condition in both MP groups. Conclusion In healthy old eyes with low macular pigment optical density mesopic visual function and intraocular light scattering did not improve from the use of a yellow filter.