Jump to content

Macular pigment optical density

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Macular pigment optical density
Other namesMPOD
Retinal images showing Macular pigment optical density before and after Epiretinal membrane peeling
SymptomsReduced contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity
ComplicationsRisk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
CausesLow intake of carotenoids
Diagnostic methodFlicker photometry, fundus atofluorescence, reflectometry
TreatmentDietary supplementation (lutein, zeaxanthin)

Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is the concentration of pigment in the macula, the central region of the retina.[1][2] Macular pigment absorbs short-wavelength blue light and may reduce oxidative stress in the retina through its antioxidant properties.[3] Primarily two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, with smaller amounts of meso-zeaxanthin,[4][5] these pigments come from foods like green leafy vegetables and yellow or orange fruits and are deposited in the macula lutea, a retinal area responsible for high-acuity vision.[6][7] In research on visual function and ocular health, studies examine its association with conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal disorders.[8][9][10][11]

Range

[edit]

Macular pigment optical density ranges from 0 to 1 optical density unit, averaging 0.35 in the United States.[12][13] The range is divided into three levels: low (0–0.21), mid-range (0.21–0.44), and high (0.45–1.0).[14] Higher MPOD levels are associated with improved visual performance and a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several factors, including diet, age, and overall eye health, contribute to variations in MPOD levels.

Measurement method

[edit]

MPOD is calculated through the use of a Macular Pigment Densitometer (MPD) to assess macular pigment optical density as a measure of retinal health. One unit is approximately equal to 0.025 ng macular pigment per mm² of retina.[15] Heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) is a noninvasive technique that uses flickering light stimuli to the retina,[16] alternating between blue light at 465 nm and green light at 530 nm.[17] Blue light absorption by the macular pigment results in reduced perceived flicker,[18] which allows the determination of MPOD. Desktop-based devices, such as the MPS II, measure the retinal periphery and center in approximately 90 seconds per eye. Portable versions, such as the ZX Pro,[19] are hand-held devices with patient-oriented software.

Statistics by nation

[edit]

South Korea

[edit]

A 2020 study of the Korean population measured macular pigment optical density with the Macular Pigment Screener II (MPSII).[20] The study found that healthy individuals had an average MPOD of 0.69 ± 0.18, and those with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) had a lower average of 0.55 ± 0.17.[21] Across all participants, the mean MPOD was 0.59 ± 0.20, with variations observed between different groups. The research also identified a statistically significant decline in MPOD with increasing age, indicating a gradual reduction over time.[22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The importance of measuring macular pigment optical density". IDE-Vision.COM. 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  2. ^ Bernstein, Paul S.; Delori, François C.; Richer, Stuart; van Kuijk, Frederik J. M.; Wenzel, Adam J. (2010-03-31). "The value of measurement of macular carotenoid pigment optical densities and distributions in age-related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders". Vision Research. 50 (7): 716–728. doi:10.1016/j.visres.2009.10.014. ISSN 1878-5646. PMC 2840187. PMID 19854211.
  3. ^ Lima, Verônica Castro; Rosen, Richard B.; Farah, Michel (2016-08-15). "Macular pigment in retinal health and disease". International Journal of Retina and Vitreous. 2 (1): 19. doi:10.1186/s40942-016-0044-9. ISSN 2056-9920. PMC 5088450. PMID 27847637.
  4. ^ Beatty, Stephen; Nolan, John; Kavanagh, Heather; O'Donovan, Orla (2004-10-01). "Macular pigment optical density and its relationship with serum and dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin". Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Highlight issue on Carotenoids. 430 (1): 70–76. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2004.03.015. ISSN 0003-9861.
  5. ^ "The Role of Macular Pigment Optical Density in Ocular Health". Eyes On Eyecare. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  6. ^ Li, Xiang; Holt, Roberta R; Keen, Carl L; Morse, Lawrence S; Zivkovic, Angela M; Yiu, Glenn; Hackman, Robert M (2023-06-01). "Potential roles of dietary zeaxanthin and lutein in macular health and function". Nutrition Reviews. 81 (6): 670–683. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac076. ISSN 0029-6643. PMC 11494239. PMID 36094616.
  7. ^ Eisenhauer, Bronwyn; Natoli, Sharon; Liew, Gerald; Flood, Victoria (2017-02-09). "Lutein and Zeaxanthin—Food Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection". Nutrients. 9 (2): 120. doi:10.3390/nu9020120. ISSN 2072-6643. PMC 5331551. PMID 28208784.
  8. ^ "Macular Pigment Optical Density in Macular Health and Visual Function". 1. 2012-08-05.
  9. ^ Nigalye, Archana; Katz, Raviv; Laíns, Inês; Pundlik, Shrinivas; Douglas, Vivian Paraskevi; Marmalidou, Anna; Kim, Janice; Kim, Ivana K; Miller, Joan; Vavvas, Demetrios; Husain, Deeba; Miller, John (2020-07-21). "Macular Pigment Optical Density in Age-related Macular Degeneration". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 61 (9): PB00152. ISSN 1552-5783.
  10. ^ "Macular Pigment Density May Help Identify Intermediate AMD". ReviewOfOptometry.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  11. ^ Rai, Bhim B.; Sabeti, Faran; van Kleef, Joshua P.; Carle, Corinne F.; Rohan, Emilie M. F.; Essex, Rohan W.; Barry, Richard C.; Maddess, Ted (2024-08-01). "Comparing 2-dimensional macular pigment optical density with objective and subjective perimetry and visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration". Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 262 (8): 2449–2459. doi:10.1007/s00417-024-06437-6. ISSN 1435-702X. PMC 11271426. PMID 38483610.
  12. ^ Hammond, Billy R., Jr.; Caruso–Avery, Mary (2000-05-01). "Macular Pigment Optical Density in a Southwestern Sample". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 41 (6): 1492–1497. ISSN 1552-5783. PMID 10798668.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ "Macular Pigment Links to Eye and Brain Health". Egg Nutrition Center. 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
  14. ^ sueq. "MPOD test – Macular Pigment Optical Density". South Coast Optometry. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
  15. ^ Yuan, Yu-Xuan; Wu, Hong-Yun; Yuan, Wen-Jin; Zhong, Yi-Lin; Xu, Zhe (2025). "Macular pigment optical density and measurement technology based on artificial intelligence: a narrative review". International Journal of Ophthalmology. 18 (6): 1152–1162. doi:10.18240/ijo.2025.06.23. ISSN 2222-3959. PMC 12120468. PMID 40534793.
  16. ^ de Kinkelder, R.; van der Veen, R. L. P.; Verbaak, F. D.; Faber, D. J.; van Leeuwen, T. G.; Berendschot, T. T. J. M. (2011). "Macular pigment optical density measurements: evaluation of a device using heterochromatic flicker photometry". Eye. 25 (1): 105–112. doi:10.1038/eye.2010.164. ISSN 1476-5454. PMC 3144644. PMID 21057522.
  17. ^ Bone, Richard A.; Landrum, John T. (2004-10-15). "Heterochromatic flicker photometry". Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 430 (2): 137–142. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2004.04.003. ISSN 0003-9861. PMID 15369810.
  18. ^ Huchzermeyer, Cord; Schlomberg, Juliane; Welge-Lüssen, Ulrich; Berendschot, Tos T. J. M.; Pokorny, Joel; Kremers, Jan (2014-10-29). "Macular Pigment Optical Density Measured by Heterochromatic Modulation Photometry". PLOS ONE. 9 (10) e110521. Bibcode:2014PLoSO...9k0521H. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0110521. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 4212909. PMID 25354049.
  19. ^ Davey, Pinakin Gunvant; Rosen, Richard B.; Park, Joshua J.; Spors, Frank; Gierhart, Dennis L. (2025). "Evaluation of a Portable Handheld Heterochromatic Flicker Photometer in Measuring Macular Pigment Optical Density". Diagnostics. 15 (4): 431. doi:10.3390/diagnostics15040431. PMC 11853980. PMID 40002582.
  20. ^ Hong, In Hwan; Jung, Woo Hyun; Lee, Jae Hyup; Chang, In Boem (2020-02-01). "Macular Pigment Optical Density in the Korean Population: a Cross Sectional Study". Journal of Korean Medical Science. 35 (5) e30. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e30. ISSN 1598-6357. PMC 7008070. PMID 32030919.
  21. ^ Hong, In Hwan; Jung, Woo Hyun; Lee, Jae Hyup; Chang, In Boem (2020-01-06). "Macular Pigment Optical Density in the Korean Population: a Cross Sectional Study". Journal of Korean Medical Science. 35 (5) e30. doi:10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e30. ISSN 1598-6357. PMC 7008070. PMID 32030919.
  22. ^ "Macular Pigment Optical Density in the Korean Population: a Cross Sectional Study". Korea Citation Index.