Macular Pigment Density Research Articles

Colour appearance and compensation in the near periphery

The spectral sensitivity of the visual system varies markedly between the fovea and surrounding periphery owing in part to the rapid fall in macular pigment density with eccentricity. We examined how colour appearance changes between the fovea and near periphery (8°) by measuring achromatic loci and the loci of unique and binary hues. Chosen colours remained much more similar at the two locations than predicted by the change in spectral sensitivity. Compensation for white may reflect long-term gain changes within the cones that equate sensitivity for the local average stimulus in the fovea and periphery. However, adjusting only to the average stimulus cannot correct for all of the effects of a spectral sensitivity change, and predicts differences in colour percepts between the fovea and periphery that were not observed. The similarities in hue percepts at 0 and 8° thus suggest that additional processes help compensate colour appearance to maintain constancy in the near periphery. We model the results of previous studies to show that similar adjustments are implied by age-related changes in lens pigment, and to show that these adjustments are consistent with previous measurements of peripheral colour appearance based on hue cancellation.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to lutein and maintenance of vision (ID 1603, 1604, 1931) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to lutein and maintenance of vision (ID 1603, 1604, 1931) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Women’s Health Initiative Diet Intervention Did Not Increase Macular Pigment Optical Density in an Ancillary Study of a Subsample of the Women’s Health Initiative ,

In this study, we examined the impact of long-term (>8 y), low-fat, high-fruit and -vegetable diets on levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the retina, as indicated by the OD of macular pigment. Macular pigment OD, measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry, was compared in women aged 60–87 y, who, 7–18 mo earlier (median 12 mo), had been in the dietary modification intervention (n = 158) or comparison (n = 236) groups of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) at the Madison, WI site for a mean of 8.5 y. Women in the intervention group ate more fruits and vegetables (mean ± SEM) (6.1 ± 0.2 vs. 4.6 ± 0.2 servings/d; P < 0.0001) and had higher intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin from foods and supplements (2.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.1 mg/d; P = 0.0003) than the comparison group. However, macular pigment density did not differ between the intervention (0.36 ± 0.02 OD units) and comparison (0.35 ± 0.01 OD units) groups. It tended to be higher (11%; P = 0.11) in women consuming lutein and zeaxanthin in the highest compared with the lowest quintile (median 6.4 vs. 1.1 mg/d). The increase in fruit and vegetable intake among dietary modification participants of this WHI subsample was not of sufficient magnitude to alter the mean density of retinal carotenoids, given other existing dietary conditions in this sample.

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

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&gt;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.

Macular pigment and fixation after macular translocation surgery

BackgroundAfter full macular translocation (MT) surgery with 360° retinotomy, the fovea is rarely identifiable. Our aim was to verify the position of the fovea, to determine how patients fixate after...

Macular pigment density assessed by directional fundus reflectance

Light radiated from foveal photoreceptors was analyzed in the eye's pupil at 470 nm and 532 nm. The reflectance of the inner limiting membrane was then measured at 6 deg from the fovea for the same wavelengths, allowing us to determine the macular pigment (MP) density Ddir using the directional reflectance technique. In addition we measured the MP density Dnd using the nondirectional reflectance technique (26 subjects). The mean values of Ddir and Dnd were 0.419+/-0.097 and 0.195+/-0.042 D.U., respectively (sample field of 2 deg). They were highly correlated (p&lt;0.0001). Comparison of Ddir and Dnd implies that 57+/-12% of the light reflected from the fovea comes from layers anterior to MP at 470 nm. The mean directionality factors ρ that we have measured at 470 nm and 532 nm were equal to 0.239+/-0.028 and 0.210+/-0.028 mm−2, respectively. They were correlated (p&lt;0.0001) and followed the spectral dependence suggested by Marcos.

Macular pigment density assessed by directional fundus reflectance

Light radiated from foveal photoreceptors was analyzed in the eye's pupil at 470 nm and 532 nm. The reflectance of the inner limiting membrane was then measured at 6 deg from the fovea for the same wavelengths, allowing us to determine the macular pigment (MP) density D(dir) using the directional reflectance technique. In addition we measured the MP density D(nd) using the nondirectional reflectance technique (26 subjects). The mean values of D(dir) and D(nd) were 0.419+/-0.097 and 0.195+/-0.042 D.U., respectively (sample field of 2 deg). They were highly correlated (p<0.0001). Comparison of D(dir) and D(nd) implies that 57+/-12% of the light reflected from the fovea comes from layers anterior to MP at 470 nm. The mean directionality factors rho that we have measured at 470 nm and 532 nm were equal to 0.239+/-0.028 and 0.210+/-0.028 mm(-2), respectively. They were correlated (p<0.0001) and followed the spectral dependence suggested by Marcos.

Fundus Autofluorescence in Type 2 Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia: Correlation with Optical Coherence Tomography and Microperimetry

To use multiple imaging methods to investigate patients with type 2 idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT) at different disease severity stages so as to characterize and categorize disease progression through the full spectrum of disease phenotypes. Observational case series. Twelve patients with type 2 IMT (22 eyes) examined with fundus photography, angiography, optical coherence tomography imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and microperimetry testing in an institutional setting. Eyes examined by multiple imaging methods were classified into 5 proposed categories (0 through 4): category 0 (fellow) eyes had normal results on all imaging methods. Category 1 eyes had increased foveal autofluorescence on FAF imaging as the only imaging abnormality. Category 2 eyes had increased foveal autofluorescence together with funduscopic and angiographic features typical of type 2 IMT. Category 3 eyes had additional evidence of foveal atrophy on optical coherence tomography, and category 4 eyes had all the above features plus clinically evident pigment clumping. FAF signal increased in intensity in the foveal region from category 0 through category 3, whereas category 4 eyes demonstrated a mixed pattern of increased and decreased FAF signal. The findings here outline a sequence of progressive changes seen with multiple imaging methods in advancing stages of disease. Increase in foveal autofluorescence is an early anatomic change in type 2 IMT that may precede typical clinical and angiographic changes. Loss of macular pigment density in the fovea and a changing composition of fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium may underlie these changes on FAF in the fundus.

Regular eggs and lutein‐enriched eggs increased macular pigment density without changing plasma lipids

We recruited 14 subjects (11 women and 5 men) aged 40‐70 y old to evaluate the effects of regular egg and lutein‐enriched eggs on plasma lipids and macular pigment density (MPOD). All subjects consumed the equivalent of 7 eggs/wk and they were randomly allocated to egg substitute (SUB, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg lutein per d), regular eggs (EGG, 213 mg cholesterol, 200 µg lutein per d) or lutein‐enriched eggs (L‐EGG, 213 mg cholesterol, 6 mg lutein per d). We measured weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, skin carotenoids, MPOD and plasma lipids both at baseline and after 6 wk. There were no changes in body weight or systolic and diastolic blood pressure for all subjects. Plasma triglycerides did not change between baseline and 6 wk. There were also no changes in total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C or skin carotenoids between baseline and 6 wk. However, MPOD was significantly increased for both the EGG (0.27 ± 0.04 at baseline to 0.39 ± 0.09 6 wk) and the L‐EGG (0.39 ± 0.10 at baseline and 0.46 ± 0.12 at 6 wk) (P &lt; 0.01) while no changes were seen for the egg substitute group (0.41 ± 0.09 at baseline and 0.42 ± 0.07 at week 6). These results confirm that egg is a good vehicle for dietary carotenoid absorption and that increased dietary lutein correlates with MPOD and not with skin carotenoids. The results also indicate that consuming one egg per day did not raise plasma cholesterol in this group of subjects [Supported by the American Egg Board]

Associations between Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Overview

Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, is a degenerative condition of the macula characterized by death or dysfunction of the photoreceptors. With the aging population growing, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration is expected to increase. This raises concern about the future of visual dysfunction related falls and the resulting injuries in the elderly population. Lutein and zeaxanthin are macular pigments that may play a role in reducing the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration. Evidence is accumulating on the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin (in whole food or supplemental form), the resulting concentrations in the serum, and tissue distribution throughout the body, particularly in the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin intake increases serum concentrations which in turn increases macular pigment density. Existing literature focuses on factors affecting macular pigment density, functions of lutein and zeaxanthin as blue-light filters and antioxidants, and risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration. Few studies have focused on the impact of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin on retinal function and the potential to preserve vision and prevent further degeneration. This presents an opportunity for further research to determine an effective dose that delays the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Integrity of Foveal Cones in Early Age-related Macular Degeneration

In this article, we highlight a method that probes the directional sensitivity of cones, in particular those in the fovea. Directional sensitivity is a unique property of cones, i.e. it is not shared by any other retinal element, and can be taken as a measure of the health of cones. In a group of healthy subjects, the directional reflection was 1.78%. In early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), despite a healthy-looking fovea, the mean directional reflection was 0.92%; in late AMD, the figure decreased further to 0.86%. These findings point to a malfunctioning of the outer segments. In addition, the method yields an estimate of the optical density of macular pigment. In early AMD, the macular pigment did not differ from normal; this finding did not point to a protecting role of macular pigment in AMD.

Lutein supplementation ‐ the mechanisms

AbstractLutein and zeaxanthin are responsible for the formation of the macular pigment. There is a decrease of macular pigment density with increasing age. There are several studies showing that loss of macular pigment density is associated with an increased risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore macular pigment density seems to have a protective effect of the macular from developing AMD. The best characterized role of lutein/zeaxanthin in the protection is the ability to absorb damaging blue light. Furthermore it is known from several in vitro and chemical investigations that lutein/zeaxanthin have anitoxidative properties. Based on the fact, that oxidative plays a major role in the pathogenesis, lutein/zeaxanthin could also protect the macular from damaging free radicals. A natural response of oxidative stress is the process of inflammation. Based on genetic studies and morphological studies AMD revealed the involvement of a subclinical inflammation in AMD pathogenesis. Lutein/zexaxanthin have anti‐inflammatory properties. This fact may explain the recently described inhibition of choridal neovascularisation in an experimental model of wet form of AMD. Taken together lutein/zexaxanthin are ideal candidates to protect the macular from damaging blue light, oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation. Based on these findings lutein/zeaxanthin seem to be ideal substance to prevent and stop progression of AMD.

Relationship between macular pigment and straylight on the retina

Abstract Purpose Macular pigment (MP) filters short‐wave light, counteracting the deleterious effects on foveolar resolution of scattering in the ocular media. Large individual differences in MP might also be expected to lead to variations in disability glare and reduce contrast in the retinal image. This study was performed to relate variations in foveal MP density levels to light scattering in the eye Methods Measurements were obtained from 138 healthy subjects aged 52 ± 22.3. The optical density of the MP was estimated at the fovea using the Metropsis Test (Cambridge Research System), which is based on the apparent motion photometry method and employs a CRT monitor for stimulus presentation. Scattered light on the retina was measured using the C‐Quant straylight meter (Oculus AG, Germany) according to the psychophysical compensation comparison method. Values are expressed as logs (of the straylight parameter) for which higher values indicate more scattered light and more sensitivity to glare. Results Mean foveal MP optical density was 0.28 density units (SD 0.16; range 0.0 to 0.74). Mean straylight value was 1.10 log units (SD 0.24; range 0.73 to 1.68). With the regression analysis of linear model, we found a significant correlation (Pearson’s correlation = ‐0.25; p‐value &lt; 0.01) between foveal MP and light scattering in the eye at the 99% confidence level. Straylight was significantly higher for subjects with lower foveal MP level. Conclusion Inter‐subject differences in foveal MP density levels showed correlation with light scattering in healthy non‐cataractous eyes.

The effect of age‐related lens yellowing on Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue error score

To investigate the effects of real and simulated age-related changes in crystalline lens yellowing on Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100 hue performance. FM 100 hue total and partial error scores (PES) were measured in a group of younger (n=10, mean age=22.2+/-2.65 years) and a group of older (n=10, mean age=54.5+/-2.64 years) normal observers along with psychophysical estimates of crystalline lens optical density and pupil size. Three younger observers underwent repeated FM 100 hue testing under a variety of simulated age-related lens yellowing conditions, using filters with well-defined transmittance properties which attempted to mimic the real age-related lens yellowing changes of the older group. FM 100 hue total and PES were significantly higher in the older age group compared with the younger group (p<0.01). Lens density measures were significantly higher in the older age group compared with the young group (p<0.01), but showed less scatter than individual FM 100 hue error scores. Simulated lens yellowing in the three younger observers, equivalent to the level of that of the older observers, did not affect any of their FM 100 hue total or PES. Simulation of age-related lens yellowing in younger observers has little effect on FM 100 hue error score. A variety of other factors such as pupil size, background illumination level, iris colour and macular pigment density may contribute to the age-related increase in FM 100 hue scores.

Spatial Profile of Macular Pigment and Its Relationship to Foveal Architecture

Macular pigment (MP) is composed of two dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, and a carotenoid generated by the retina, meso-zeaxanthin. There is large intersubject variability in peak optical density, spatial profile, and lateral extent of macular pigment, and it has been suggested that foveal architecture may play a role in this variability. This study is an initial investigation of the relationship between the spatial profile of macular pigment and foveal architecture. Sixty normal subjects were enrolled (one was eventually excluded). The spatial profile of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured by customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP). High-resolution macular thickness maps were obtained by optical coherence tomography. Four parameters were analyzed: (1) minimum foveal thickness (MFT) at the intersection of six radial scans; (2) central foveal thickness (CFT) averaged over the central 1 mm of the fovea; (3) foveal width identified as the region lacking a nerve fiber layer; and (4) foveal width measured from crest to crest. Lifestyle and vision information were obtained by questionnaire. The mean +/- SD MPOD at 0.25 degrees eccentricity was 0.49 +/- 0.23 and at 0.5 degrees eccentricity, 0.41 +/- 0.21. A first-order decreasing exponential function accounted for most of the variance of the MP profile averaged across subjects (r(2) = 0.99). MPOD measured at 0.25 degrees was unrelated to both measures of foveal thickness for the entire study group (r = 0.03, P = 0.81, and r = -0.08, P = 0.57, respectively). Similarly, MPOD measured at 0.5 degrees was unrelated to foveal thickness in the entire study group (r = 0.12, P = 0.36 and r = -0.05, P = 0.71, respectively). However, when analyzed separately in the nonwhite subjects, the relationship between MPOD at 0.25 degrees and MFT was positive and significant (r = 0.59, P = 0.01), but remained unrelated to CFT (r = 0.20, P = 0.41). Similarly, in the nonwhite subjects, the relationship between MPOD at 0.5 degrees and MFT was positive and significant (r = 0.68, P < 0.01), but again was unrelated to CFT (r = 0.23, P = 0.32). There was no significant relationship between MPOD and either measure of foveal thickness in the white subjects. In the entire study group, there was a positive and significant relationship between foveal width and MPOD averaged across the fovea (r = 0.41, P < 0.01) and between foveal width and MP integrated across the fovea (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). Foveal MP was positively and significantly related to foveal width in the entire study group. This relationship may be determined by the greater length of the cone axons (Henle fibers) in wider foveas. MPOD was unrelated to foveal thickness in the white subjects. However, in the nonwhite subjects there was a positive association between MFT and MPOD at the 0.25 degrees and 0.5 degrees eccentricities, suggesting that other personal characteristics modulate the MPOD-retinal thickness relationship.

Le pigment maculaire et sa mesure in vivo

Interest in macular pigment has been growing since it was first identified 200 years ago. Because of its antioxidant properties and putative protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), clinical, experimental, and epidemiologic studies have attempted to show a positive correlation between the high density of macular pigment and low risk for macular degeneration. Since the two main components of macular pigment, lutein and zeaxanthin, cannot be endogenously synthesized, oral supplementation may be an efficient means to increase macular pigment density. However, the ideal dosage for such supplementation remains to be determined, since absorption varies greatly from one subject to another. Hence, reliable quantitative measurement of macular pigment density is necessary before any beneficial effects of oral supplementation on AMD occurrence can be demonstrated; then at-risk subjects who would require such supplementation can be targeted. Several techniques can be used to measure macular pigment density noninvasively in vivo. Psychophysical methods are the most commonly used. They include heterochromatic flicker photometry and Raman spectroscopy. Heterochromatic flicker is the most widely used method and seems to be the easiest and least costly. However, because it requires very good cooperation from patients and a good grasp of the instructions, it is probably the least reliable and reproducible method. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, requires less cooperation on the part of the patient. Subjects are asked to overlap a blue disc and a red polka-dot pattern to ensure proper alignment of the eye. Since these instructions are simpler than those for heterochromatic flicker photometry, this technique is more reliable. Overall, the data obtained are more objective because they are based on the analysis of a signal emitted after an argon laser excitation of the macular pigment. Nevertheless, data are closely related to pupil diameter. Finally Raman spectroscopy requires expensive equipment. Physical methods are based on retinal excitation by an incident light and the analysis of the reflected signal obtained. These methods are mainly represented by autofluorescence measurement and fundus reflectance. These two techniques differ in the wavelength used in the incident light, because the reflected signal is itself related to the amount of incident light absorbed by retinal structures. Both techniques allow rapid and objective measurement of spatial distribution of macular pigment. The software of the modified Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg, Germany) further creates a density map image after digital subtraction of the log reflectance data obtained at two different wavelengths. Physical methods require little cooperation from patients and could be considered the most objective and high-performance technique available today. However, the instruments are still expensive and therefore cannot be widely used in clinical practice.

The relation between serum xanthophylls, fatty acids, macular pigment and cognitive function in the Health ABC Study

Xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin (L, Z) and ù‐3 fatty acids (FAs), are optimally positioned in retina and cortex to protect from oxidative damage. Research suggests that this placement in retinal tissue is related to reduced risk for acquired retinal diseases and improved visual function (e.g., reduced glare disability, scotopic noise). Whether L, Z and FAs in the cortex are capable of similarly influencing cognitive function (CF) is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relation between L, Z and FAs and CF in a healthy cohort of older adults. 118 subjects in the Memphis, TN area, aged 76–85 yrs, with approx. equal numbers of males/females. Retinal L, Z levels (i.e., macular pigment density, MPOD) were significantly related to performance on a variety of indices designed to assess processing speed, accuracy and completion ability (p≤0.05). These relations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex and ethnicity. Serum xanthophyll and fatty acid levels were not related to CF. MPOD, unlike serum xanthophylls, is a reflection of L and Z embedded into CNS tissue. The relation between MPOD and CF suggests that L and Z embedded in cortical tissue are capable of influencing cortical function. Additional research will be necessary to confirm these relations.Support:USDA#581950‐7‐07; DSM; AHAFMDR; NIHK23EY000409; N01AG62101; N01AG62103; N01AG62106; IRRF; RPB

Associations Between Age-Related Nuclear Cataract and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Diet and Serum in the Carotenoids in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS), an Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative

To evaluate associations between nuclear cataract (determined from slitlamp photographs between May 2001 and January 2004) and lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet and serum in patients between 1994 and 1998 and macula between 2001 and 2004. A total of 1802 women aged 50 to 79 years in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon with intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin above the 78th (high) and below the 28th (low) percentiles in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (1994-1998) were recruited 4 to 7 years later (2001-2004) into the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Women in the group with high dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 23% lower prevalence of nuclear cataract (age-adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.96) compared with those with low levels. Multivariable adjustment slightly attenuated the association (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.01). Women in the highest quintile category of diet or serum levels of lutein and zeaxanthin as compared with those in the lowest quintile category were 32% less likely to have nuclear cataract (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.97; P for trend = .04; and multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.98; P for trend = .01, respectively). Cross-sectional associations with macular pigment density were inverse but not statistically significant. Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin are moderately associated with decreased prevalence of nuclear cataract in older women. However, other protective aspects of such diets may in part explain these relationships.

Correlation of Functional Impairment and Morphological Alterations in Patients With Group 2A Idiopathic Juxtafoveal Retinal Telangiectasia

To correlate functional impairment with morphological alterations in patients with group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia. As part of the Macular Telangiectasia Project, a cohort of 10 patients underwent additional functional testing and imaging studies including photopic and scotopic fine matrix mapping, microperimetry, reflectance, and autofluorescence imaging with scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. From clinical stage 2 to 5, scotopic central function was reduced, which corresponded to depletion of macular pigment density. From clinical stage 3 onward, severe photopic and scotopic scotomata with up to 30 dB of loss were found next to fixation and were not totally confined to abnormalities seen with standard imaging modalities. The number of test points with loss of 10 dB or more was significantly greater for scotopic testing than for photopic testing (P = .007, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Rod function may be more severely affected than cone function in patients with group 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia, and this may occur early in the disease progression. Severe reduction in retinal sensitivity is spatially confined to morphological alterations seen with scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging. The findings imply that idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia is not solely a vascular disease and that early neuronal involvement may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Age‐related lens yellowing per se contributes little to the increase in Farnsworth‐Munsell 100 hue error scores with age

Purpose: To investigate the effects of real and simulated age‐related changes in crystalline lens yellowing on Farnsworth–Munsell (FM) 100 hue total and partial error scores.Methods: FM 100 hue total and partial error scores were measured in a group of younger (n = 10, mean age 22.2 ± 2.65 years) and a group of older (n = 10, mean age = 54.5 ± 2.64 years) normal observers along with psychophysical estimates of crystalline lens optical density and pupil size measurements. Three younger observers underwent repeated FM 100 hue testing using a variety of simulated age‐related lens yellowing conditions, using filters with well‐defined absorption properties which mimicked the real age‐related lens yellowing changes of the older group. FM 100 hue scores were also measured under different levels of background illumination and pupil size in the 3 younger observers.Results: FM 100 hue total and partial error scores were significantly higher in the older age group compared to the younger group (p &lt;0.01). Lens density measures were significantly higher in the older age group compared to the young group (p&lt;0.01), but showed less scatter with age than FM 100 hue error scores. Pupil size was significantly larger in the younger group compared to the older group (p&lt;0.01). Simulated lens yellowing in the three younger observers, equivalent to the level of that of the older observers, did not affect any of their FM 100 hue total or partial error scores. Reductions in pupil size and illumination significantly affected the younger observers’ performance, with increases in error score equivalent to the observed age‐related decline between the younger and older group.Conclusions: Lens yellowing per se makes little contribution to the increase in Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue error score with increasing age. Retinal illumination levels and pupil size can significantly affect the error score and should be considered when interpreting FM 100 hue error scores in older subjects. Clinicians should also consider iris colour and macular pigment density when interpreting FM 100 hue error scores.