Macular Pigment Optical Density Research Articles

Clinical Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lutein with High Bio-Accessibility on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Contrast Sensitivity: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Parallel-Group Comparison Trial.

Improvements in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and contrast sensitivity after administration of 12 mg lutein alone and the timing at which efficacy is observed remain unknown. Therefore, lutein (12 mg), a crystalline formulation, was used in this study, considering its bioaccessibility. This study aimed to determine the effects of lutein administration for 16 weeks on MPOD, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity, and changes in serum lutein levels were determined. The study subjects comprised 59 healthy male and female adults aged 20–69 years. The study diet included a placebo (placebo group) or a diet supplemented with 12 mg of lutein (lutein group). Each study diet was continuously administered for 16 weeks. At weeks 8 and 16, MPOD, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, and serum lutein levels were evaluated. Compared with the placebo group, the lutein group showed significantly improved MPOD, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity at week 16 and significantly increased serum lutein levels at weeks 8 and 16. Continuous administration of lutein for 16 weeks, considering its bioaccessibility, increased MPOD; it made the outlines of visible objects clearer and was effective in inhibiting decreases in visual function caused by glare from light.

Macular Pigment Optical Density Fluctuation as a Function of Pupillary Mydriasis: Methodological Considerations for Dual-Wavelength Autofluorescence

ABSTRACT Purpose of the study Macular pigment (MP), comprising the dietary carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, is believed to benefit eye health and vision. Numerous clinical and research devices and techniques are currently available to facilitate MP optical density (MPOD) measurement. One of those techniques, dual-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (AF) is being increasingly used for measurement of MP in the eye. There is substantial methodological variation across the published studies that have employed this technique, including in relation to the use of mydriasis, the possible influence of which does not appear to have been addressed in the literature. This prospective cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the effect of mydriasis on MP measurement quality and MPOD values obtained with dual-wavelength AF using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT device. Materials and Methods Twenty-one healthy participants were recruited to the study. The mean age of participants was 44.8 years (± 14.63). Pupil size and MPOD were measured in one eye for each participant, initially under natural pupil conditions and subsequently 30 minutes following instillation of one drop of 0.5% tropicamide. Results Despite providing MPOD measurements for the majority of undilated eyes (85.7% of eyes herein), pupillary dilation resulted in statistically significant changes in MPOD (p < .001 for central eccentricities). Our results indicate that the changes in MPOD were not uniform across the spatial profile. Marked improvements were also observed in image quality post-dilation (p < .002 for central eccentricities). Conclusions This study clearly demonstrates that dual-wavelength AF measurements of MPOD in the same eye vary as a function of pupillary dilation status, with MPOD under-estimated across the entire spatial profile of MP for natural relative to dilated pupillary conditions. Mydriasis should, therefore, be used routinely for MPOD measurements using dual wavelength AF, pupil size should be reported and image quality optimized in order to ensure accurate MPOD quantification.

Macular pigment optical density and visual quality of life

PurposeThere is robust evidence that higher macular pigment concentrations help reduce both veiling and discomfort glare in patients with or without ocular disease. We investigated whether there was also a relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and patient surveys about glare or ocular discomfort. MethodsWe measured MPOD psychophysically in 23 healthy subjects and administered the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Responses for each survey question were sorted from low (no limitation) to high (very severe limitation). The median response for each question was determined, and independent t-tests were performed on the mean MPOD values for survey responses above and below the median. We also performed a non-parametric correlation analysis between MPOD and survey responses. ResultsWhile the median response was “no limitation” for most (22 of 25) survey questions, responses were slightly higher for two questions concerning ocular discomfort and one question related to driving at night. MPOD levels were significantly higher in subjects that reported no discomfort in or around their eyes than in those that reported mild discomfort. There was also a trend toward higher MPOD levels in subjects who reported that pain in or around their eyes never limited their activity as well as in subjects who reported no difficulty driving at night. ConclusionThese preliminary findings are consistent with the well-established discomfort and glare hypotheses for MPOD. The current findings on subjective ocular discomfort in the absence of glare deserve further study.

The association between macular pigment optical density and visual function outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on data related to macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function in adults with healthy eyes. MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Commonwealth of Agriculture Bureau abstracts databases were searched for English-language publications between 1946 and August 2018. Included studies examined correlation of MPOD and visual function in adults with healthy eyes at all timepoints and all designs, except for case-control, case reports, and reviews. Visual function outcomes of interest included photostress recovery, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, glare sensitivity/disability, and dark adaptation. Random effects model meta-analyses combined study-level correlation (r). Twenty-two publications were included. In meta-analysis MPOD was found to be significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity at 30' (two studies, summary r: 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.56), and at 1° eccentricity with a spatial frequency of 7, 11, and 21 cpd (three studies, summary r: 0.31; 95% CI 0.06, 0.52), with photostress recovery at a 1° eccentricity with a moderate background, 10 cpd, and 16% contrast (two studies, summary r: -0.17; 95% CI -0.31, -0.02), and at 30' (four studies, summary r: -0.57; 95% CI -0.78, -0.24), and with glare disability at 30' eccentricity with a log scale at 460 nm (three studies, summary r = 0.47; 95% CI 0.32; 0.59). There were insufficient data for meta-analysis for other visual functions. Our review identifies a link between MPOD and visual function with significant correlations with photostress recovery, glare disability, and contrast sensitivity.

A novel botanical formula improves eye fatigue and dry eye: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

With the frequent use of video display units, eye fatigue is becoming more common globally. An alternative nutritional strategy is needed to prevent the aggravation of eye fatigue symptoms. The objective was to evaluate the protective effect of a novel botanical combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, and extracts of blackcurrant, chrysanthemum, and goji berry on adults with eye fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We randomly allocated 360 participants into 4 groups to receive placebo and 3 doses of our formula (chewable tablets, containing 6 mg, 10 mg, or 14 mg of lutein) once daily for 90 d. Each participant had 3 visits at baseline (V1), 45 d (V2), and 90 d (V3) during the study. Intervention with the formula improved individual scores of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, and tearing. Compared with placebo, the formula at all 3 doses significantly decreased the total score of eye fatigue symptoms and increased the visuognosis persistence time at both V2 and V3. According to the Schirmer test, both 10-mg and 14-mg lutein formula groups had improved tear secretion at V3 compared with the placebo. The keratography results indicated that the first tear break-up time, average tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height were significantly increased after formula intervention. The formula at all 3 doses significantly increased the macular pigment optical density at V2 and V3 compared with the placebo, whereas optical coherence tomography showed no significant difference in retinal thickness and retinal volume across all groups at both visits. Our botanical formula improves eye fatigue, dry eye, and macular function without changing the retinal structure, and thus it could serve as an effective nutritional strategy in improving eye fatigue without causing serious side effects.Clinical Trial Registry: chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800018987).

Local Abundance of Macular Xanthophyll Pigment Is Associated with Rod- and Cone-Mediated Vision in Aging and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PurposeWe assessed the association between the abundance of macular xanthophyll carotenoid pigment using dual-wavelength autofluorescence and multimodal vision testing including rod-mediated dark adaptation (RMDA), a measure of retinoid re-supply, in adults ≥60 years old with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsAMD severity was determined using the nine-step Age-Related Eye Disease Study grading. Tests probed cones (best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity), cones and rods (low-luminance visual acuity, low-luminance deficit, mesopic light sensitivity), or rods only (scotopic light sensitivity, RMDA). Signal attenuation by macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was estimated using a ratio of blue and green autofluorescence signal to yield mean MPOD in a 1°-diameter fovea-centered disk, mean MPOD in a 2°-diameter disk centered on a perifoveal RMDA test location, and macular pigment optical volume (MPOV, or integrated MPOD) in a 4°-diameter fovea-centered disk. Age-adjusted associations between vision and imaging measures were determined.ResultsIn 88 eyes of 88 subjects (age, 74.9 ± 5.8 years) with normal eyes (n = 32), early AMD (n = 23), or intermediate AMD (n = 33), foveal and perifoveal MPOD and MPOV were higher in the AMD eyes than in the normal eyes. At the RMDA test location, higher MPOD was unrelated to AMD severity but was associated with faster RMDA.ConclusionsIn older adults with and without AMD, higher macular xanthophyll concentrations are associated with better best-corrected visual acuity and RMDA. Data are consistent with a model of cone resilience and rod vulnerability in aging and AMD and can be further explored in a larger sample study.

Evaluation of Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Eyes Based on Dual-Wavelength Autofluorescence Imaging in South Indian Population.

PurposeTo estimate macular pigment optical density (MPOD) values across different age groups in the South Indian population across various spatial profiles using dual-wavelength autofluorescence.MethodsSixty eyes of 31 healthy subjects underwent MPOD measurement with Spectralis HRA+OCT. The average MPOD and macular pigment optical volume (MPOV) at 1°, 2°, and 6° radii, the mean MPOD in the classical Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid, and the spatial profiles of two different age groups across 12 plots covering the radial sectors were recorded.ResultsThe mean age was 39.1 ± 12.7 years. The mean MPOD and MPOV values were 0.38 ± 0.11 and 787.95 ± 225.13 at 1° eccentricity, 0.23 ± 0.08 and 2000 ± 708.24 at 2° eccentricity, and 0.05 ± 0.02 and 4335 ± 2007.71 at 6° eccentricity, respectively. In the ETDRS grid, the mean MPOD was found to be highest in the central sector and lowest in the inferior peripheral ring. We also found that along the radial sectors the lower quadrants tended to have low MPOD as compared to the upper quadrants. Subjects 40 years of age or older had significantly higher averaged MPOD in certain areas (–15° to 15° and 75° to 105°) along the radial sectors than subjects less than 40 years of age.ConclusionsThis study establishes a reference value for future studies of diseased eyes in the South Indian population.Translational RelevanceOur study is unique in that it reports MPOD among the South Indian population across different age groups, as well as the distribution of MPOD in all nine zones of the classical ETDRS grid and various spatial profiles covering the 30° radial sectors centered on the fovea.

Changes in Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Acuity after Lutein Supplementation in Adults in Their 20s

Changes in Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Acuity after Lutein Supplementation in Adults in Their 20s

Effect of an antioxidant supplement containing high dose lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment and skin carotenoid levels

The effect of a high dose lutein/zeaxanthin supplement on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and skin carotenoid (SC) levels in healthy subjects was investigated. This is a prospective, single-arm, open-label study. Subjects were 16 Japanese, age 26–57 years. Subjects took a supplement containing 20 mg/day of lutein, 4 mg/day of zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper) for 16 weeks. MPOD levels were measured by a two-wavelength autofluorescence imaging technique. SC levels were measured by reflection spectroscopy. Total volume of MPOD within 9° eccentricity significantly increased by week 8 and continued to increase until week 16 (p < 0.0001, two-way factorial ANOVA). The increase rate of MPOD was significantly higher in subjects with body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m2 (n = 13) compared to those of 25 kg/m2 and higher (n = 3). SC levels increased significantly by week 4 and continued to increase until week 16 (p < 0.0001, two-way factorial ANOVA). All subjects completed the study without any serious adverse events. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of a high dose lutein/zeaxanthin supplement for MPOD volume and SC levels without serious adverse events.

Feasibility Study of a Docosahexaenoic Acid-Optimized Nutraceutical Formulation on the Macular Levels of Lutein in a Healthy Mediterranean Population

Introduction: Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) plays a pivotal role in maintaining macular structure and functioning. Research shows that daily consumption of lutein reduces the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Objective: This study analyzes the influence of a supplementation containing lutein and antioxidant vitamins either with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with the main objective of identifying MPOD changes in both eyes at the end of the follow-up using the Visucam®retinograph. The secondary end point was to determine variation in the lutein and DHA levels in plasma and red blood cell membranes (RBCMs), respectively. Methods: One hundred healthy participants (200 eyes) aged 40–70 years (mean age 49.3 years, SEM = 13.7) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily one of the following supplements for 3 months: lutein group (LT-G, n = 49) and lutein plus DHA group (LT/DHA-G, n = 51). The MPOD was measured at baseline and end of the follow-up by retinography (Visucam®retinograph). Lutein in plasma was determined by HPLC, and DHA in RBC membranes was analyzed by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. Results: From baseline, MPOD showed significantly higher values in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). Significantly higher lutein in plasma (p < 0.0001) and DHA (p < 0.0001) levels in the RBC membrane were seen in the LT/DHA-G than in the LT-G at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Lutein supplementation improves MPOD in healthy subjects from a Mediterranean population being significantly increased in the presence of DHA. Therefore, our findings highlight the relevance of the adjunctive role of DHA for better lutein availability.

Auditory and Visual Working Memory Are Differentially Related to Carotenoid Status in Preadolescent Children

Abstract Objectives Carotenoids are plant pigments known to deposit in neural tissues including the hippocampus, a brain substrate that supports several memory forms. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding carotenoid status and working memory function in children. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand the relationship between macular and skin carotenoids to visual and auditory working memory (WM) function. Methods Seventy preadolescent children (7–12 years, 32 males) were recruited from the East-Central Illinois area. Auditory working memory was assessed using the story recall subtest of the Woodcock-Johnson IV Test of Cognitive Abilities. A subsample (N = 61, 27 males) completed a visual working memory task and reaction time was quantified to determine speed of memory processing at set sizes of 1 to 4 items. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Skin carotenoids were assessed using reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter). Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to assess the relationship between carotenoid status and WM function, while controlling for age, sex, income, and whole-body % fat (DXA). Results Auditory WM was positively associated with skin carotenoids (b = 0.263, P = 0.039) but not MPOD (b = −0.044, P = 0.380). In contrast, MPOD was significantly associated with faster visual WM speed at set size 3 (b = −0.253, P = 0.039) and trending at set sizes of 1 (b = −0.225, P = 0.051), 2 (b = −0.171, P = 0.121), and 4 (b = −0.230, P = 0.055). Interestingly, skin carotenoids were not related to visual WM performance at either set size (all P’s &amp;gt; 0.300). Conclusions These results indicate that auditory and visual WM may be differentially related to carotenoids. While skin carotenoids encompass all carotenoids consumed in diet, lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids which deposit in the macula. Given that MPOD was only related to visual WM, this suggests lutein plays a larger role in these neural functions relative to auditory WM. Interestingly, MPOD's relationship with visual WM increased in strength with the more difficult trial type (i.e., increasing set size), indicating MPOD is related at higher levels of WM capacity. Funding Sources This study was funded by the Egg Nutrition Center.

Effects of Goji Berry Intake on Macular Pigment Optical Density and Skin Carotenoids in Healthy Adults

Abstract Objectives Zeaxanthin (Z) and lutein (L) are xanthophyll carotenoids that function in part as macular pigments. Goji berries (Lycium Barbarum) are rich in zeaxanthin, and contain lutein, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin. High intakes of Z and L have been associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. We assessed the impact of 3 months of 5 times per week intake of 28 g goji berry (GB), or a supplement providing 4 mg of Z and 6 mg of L (ZL) on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and skin carotenoids (SC) in healthy adults aged 45–65 y old. Methods A randomized, open-labeled, parallel-arm pilot study was conducted at UC Davis. Study visits at baseline (SV1), and at 45 d (SV2) and 90 d (SV3) used heterochromatic flicker photometry to measure MPOD at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 1.75 retinal eccentricities (RE), and Raman spectroscopy for SC. Between group changes within each treatment group were assessed with one-way Repeated Measures ANOVA with the Holm-Sidak post-hoc method. Results To date, 6 males and 13 females have been assessed. SC was not significantly different between the groups at SV1. The GB group showed a significant increase in SC at 45 d and 90 d compared to baseline (350.6 ± 138.4 SV1 vs. 400.6 ± 131.5 SV2 vs. 409.6 ± 156.6 SV3, P &amp;lt; 0.001, n = 11). No significant changes in SC were found in the ZL group (P = 0.2, n = 8). MPOD did not differ between any RE at any time point for either group. MPOD was positively and significantly correlated (Pearson's or Spearman's correlation) with SC at 0.25 (r = 0.49, P = 0.004), 0.5 (rho = 0.48, P = 0.005) and 1 (rho = 0.45, P = 0.008) RE in the GB group. SC was also significantly correlated with MPOD in the ZL group at 0.25 (rho = 0.43, P = 0.038) and 1 (r = 0.41, P = 0.047) RE. Conclusions We report preliminary results that goji berry intake increases skin carotenoids. These data confirm that Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for the relationship of skin carotenoids with dietary carotenoid intake, as well as changes in skin carotenoids with macular pigment optical density. Funding Sources UC Davis, Department of Nutrition.

Macular Carotenoids Are Associated with Neural Efficiency in Children

Abstract Objectives Macular pigmentation has been previously related to benefits for behavioral and neuroelectric aspects of selective attention across the lifespan. The relationship between accumulation of carotenoids beyond the central nervous system and selective attention is less understood, particularly amongst children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the differential impacts of retinal and skin carotenoid accumulation and behavioral and neuroelectric indices of selective attention. Methods Children between 7–12 years (N = 60) participated in the study. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed using heterochromatic flicker photometry and skin carotenoids were assessed using reflection spectroscopy at the fingertip using the Veggie meter. Body Mass Index adjusted for age and sex (BMI%) and general intelligence as assessed using the Woodcock Johnson IV test were used as covariates. Behavioral performance (accuracy and reaction time) and neuroelectric indices (event-related brain potentials [ERPs]) of attentional inhibition were assessed during a modified Eriksen Flanker task. Specifically, amplitude of the P3 waveform was used to index attentional resource allocation. Results After controlling for covariates, MPOD was selectively associated with lower peak amplitude of the P3 waveform during congruent (β = −0.36, P = 0.01) and incongruent task trials (β = −0.39, P &amp;lt; 0.01). No significant relationships were observed between the P3 and skin carotenoids. Skin carotenoids were associated with higher accuracy on the incongruent trials of the Flanker task (β = 0.36, P = 0.02), while no relationships were observed between MPOD and behavioral performance. Conclusions In this study, we were able to replicate previous findings demonstrating that higher accumulation of retinal carotenoids is associated with neural efficiency during a selective attention task. Skin carotenoids were associated with behavioral performance but were not related to neuroelectric indices of selective attention, suggesting site-specific benefits of carotenoid accumulation on cognitive health in childhood. Funding Sources This work is funded by the Egg Nutrition Center.

Differential Relationships Between Serum Xanthophylls and Macular Pigment and Retinal Morphology

Abstract Objectives Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids that comprise macular pigment in the eye and disproportionately accumulate in brain tissue. While the link between serum xanthophylls and macular pigment has received considerable investigation, comparatively less is known regarding the relationship between circulating xanthophylls and retinal morphology. This knowledge gap is significant since deterioration of the morphometric measures of the retina (e.g., retinal nerve fiber layer, RNFL) is a feature of age-neurodegenerative diseases. This project aimed to understand the relationship between serum xanthophylls and retinal morphology. Methods Subjects included 84 individuals (30 males) with overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) between 25–45 years. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to assess RNFL, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL). Venous blood draws were used to assess serum lutein and zeaxanthin. Covariates assessed included demographic factors, adiposity (DXA), and dietary intake (7d food records). Results Serum lutein (r = 0.32, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and zeaxanthin (r = 0.23, P = 0.01) concentrations were associated with greater MPOD. There were no significant associations between serum xanthophyll concentrations and morphological values. Similarly, there was no influence of adiposity or dietary lutein and zeaxanthin on retinal morphological measures. However, overall diet quality, assessed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was positively associated with IPL (r = 0.35, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and GCL (r = 0.32, P &amp;lt; 0.01) thickness. Conclusions Although circulating carotenoids were associated with macular pigment, this relationship did not extend to morphological measures in the retina. However, overall dietary quality was significantly associated with retinal morphological measures. These findings suggest that macular pigment and retinal morphology may be influenced by nutritional factors. Funding Sources Hass Avocado Board.

Efficacy Evaluation and Dose Prediction of a Novel Botanical Formula on Eye Fatigue and Dry Eye to Provide a Personalized Nutrition Solution

Abstract Objectives With the frequent use of video display units, eye fatigue is more and more common globally. We aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a novel botanical combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, extracts of black currant, chrysanthemum and goji berry on adults with eye fatigue in a randomized controlled trial, and predict personalized dose for each individual in real-life consumption. Methods 360 participants were randomized to receive our formula with 3 different doses (containing 6 mg, 10 mg, and 14 mg of lutein, respectively) or placebo once daily for 90 days. Each participant had a total of 3 visits at baseline (V1), 45 days (V2) and 90 days (V3) throughout the study. Results The formula intervention improved individual score of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, photophobia, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation and tearing. Compared with placebo, the formula with all 3 doses significantly decreased the total score of eye fatigue symptoms and increased the visuognosis persistence time at both V2 and V3. For Schirmer test, the formula with 10 mg and 14 mg of lutein improved the tear secretion at V3. For Keratography, first tear break time, average tear break time and tear meniscus height were significantly increased after formula intervention. The intervention of formula with all 3 doses significantly increased macular pigment optical density at V2 and V3, while optical coherence tomography showed that there was no significant difference in retinal thickness and retinal volume among all groups at both visits. Different machine-learning algorithms were used to predict personalized dose based on the eye-related indexes and other features, such as anthropometrics, physical activity, dietary habit, and blood biomarkers under 3 different dosages. Among them, XGBoost performed best with R = 0.649 for training set, R = 0.638 for test set, and R = 0.685 for external validation set. Conclusions The formula improves eye fatigue, dry eye, and macular function without changing the structure, providing a nutritional alternative strategy. XGBoost could successfully predict dose to provide a personalized nutrition solution. Funding Sources This study was supported by National Key R&amp;D Program of China and Nutrition Research Foundation of Chinese Nutrition Society.

Efficacy of Commercially Available Nutritional Supplements: Analysis of Serum Uptake, Macular Pigment Optical Density and Visual Functional Response.

Purpose: To compare the change in serum carotenoids, macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function with the intake of two commercially available nutritional supplements. Methods: Participants were given a 24-week supply of a lipid-based micronized liquid medical food, Lumega-Z™ (LM), containing 28 mg of the macular carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), or given PreserVision™ AREDS 2 Formula (gel-caps; PV) containing 12 mg of the macular carotenoids L and Z, but no reported MZ. Serum levels of L, Z and MZ were obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks. Macular pigment optical densities (MPOD) and visual function were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results: Average blood serum concentrations of L, Z and MZ in the two groups at baseline were similar. The increases in L, Z and MZ were 0.434, 0.063 and 0.086 µmol/L vs. 0.100, 0.043 and 0.001 µmol/L, respectively, in the LM vs. PV group. From baseline to week 24, average MPOD in the LM-group increased by 0.064 from 0.418 to 0.482, whereas in the PV-group, it was essentially unchanged (0.461 to 0.459;). Although log-contrast sensitivity was improved in all groups under three conditions (photopic, mesopic and mesopic with glare), the change in log-contrast sensitivity was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite only a 2.3-fold higher carotenoid concentration than PV, LM supplementation provides approximately 3–4-fold higher absorption, which leads to a significant elevation of MPOD levels.

Macular Pigment Optical Density and Photoreceptor Outer Segment Length as Predisease Biomarkers for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To explore predisease biomarkers, which may help screen for the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at very early stages, macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length were analyzed. Thirty late AMD fellow eyes, which are at high risk and represent the predisease condition of AMD, were evaluated and compared with 30 age-matched control eyes without retinal diseases; there was no early AMD involvement in the AMD fellow eyes. MPOD was measured using MPS2® (M.E. Technica Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), and PROS length was measured based on optical coherence tomography images. MPOD levels and PROS length in the AMD fellow eyes were significantly lower and shorter, respectively, than in control eyes. MPOD and PROS length were positively correlated in control eyes (R = 0.386; p = 0.035) but not in AMD fellow eyes. Twenty (67%) AMD fellow eyes met the criteria of MPOD < 0.65 and/or PROS length < 35 μm, while only five (17%) control eyes did. After adjusting for age and sex, AMD fellow eyes more frequently satisfied the definition (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 3.50–60.4; odds ratio, 14.6). The combination of MPOD and PROS length may be a useful biomarker for screening predisease AMD patients, although further studies are required in this regard.

Исследование зависимости между толщиной хориоидеи и оптической плотностью макулярного пигмента у молодых пациентов с миопической рефракцией

Исследование зависимости между толщиной хориоидеи и оптической плотностью макулярного пигмента у молодых пациентов с миопической рефракцией

Effects of Lutein Supplementation in Japanese Patients with Unilateral Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Sakai Lutein Study

This prospective randomized double-masked study investigated the effects of 20 mg lutein supplementation with two different capsules (beeswax or glycerol fatty acid esters) for 6 months on the fellow eyes of 39 Japanese patients with unilateral age-related macular degeneration, and assessed the factors associated with baseline plasma lutein concentration via lifestyle interviews. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), determined with the two-wavelength autofluorescence method, increased over time in the beeswax group (ANOVA, p = 0.0451), although the increase from 3 months to 6 months was only marginally significant. No significant increase was observed in the glycerol fatty acid esters group (ANOVA, p = 0.7396). Plasma lutein concentrations significantly increased at 3 and 6 months from baseline in both groups (both p < 0.01). In a multiple regression model, age was negatively associated with higher plasma lutein concentration (p = 0.0305), while consumption of green vegetables was positively associated with baseline plasma lutein concentration (p = 0.0322). In conclusion, a significant increase in MPOD was not fully confirmed with 6 months intake duration despite a significant increase in plasma lutein concentrations. Consumption of green vegetable was confirmed to be associated with plasma lutein concentration after adjusting for other potential factors including age.

Comparison of Macular Pigment Optical Density in Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Subjects - A Prospective Diagnostic Study.

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and glaucoma.MethodsForty-three patients with an established glaucoma diagnosis (25 females, 18 males, mean age 70 (range 34–84)) and 43 healthy controls (28 females, 15 males, mean age 62 (range 30–87)) were included in this prospective diagnostic case-control study. All subjects underwent detailed eye examination including ophthalmoscopy, best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, measurement of the axial length of the eye, objective refraction, lens status, central foveal thickness on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). In all glaucoma patients, a visual field assessment and a measurement of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) on SD-OCT were done. MPOD was determined using the macula pigment module of the Spectralis HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) at 0.51°, 1.02° and 1.99° retinal eccentricity using two-wavelength autofluorescence imaging.ResultsIn the glaucoma group, the median of the visual field mean defect was 5.1 db (quartiles 3.0 and 13.5) and the mean RNFL-thickness global was 65.9 µm (SD ± 16.1). Median MPOD measured at 0.51°, 1.02° and 1.99° retinal eccentricity in the glaucoma group was 0.42 DU, 0.34 DU and 0.13 DU, in the control group 0.40 DU, 0.35 DU and 0.12 DU respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of median MPOD between glaucomatous and control eyes (p=0.510, 0.735, 0.481). No significant relation between MPOD at 1.02 retinal eccentricity and the presence of glare symptoms was found (p=0.948). However, age seems to correlate with median MPOD measured at 1.02 retinal eccentricity (p=0.017).ConclusionThere was no evidence for lower MPOD levels in our glaucoma patients; lower MPOD was not related to the presence of glare symptoms. However there seems to be a positive correlation between age and MPOD at 1.02° retinal eccentricity. To further investigate the relation between glare reported by glaucoma patients and glare disability linked to lower MPOD levels, additional studies are necessary that include both detailed inquiry of the quality of glare and a glare quantification and precise analysis of MPOD levels in glaucoma patients.