Macular Pigment Optical Density and Measures of Macular Function: Test-Retest Variability, Cross-Sectional Correlations, and Findings from the Zeaxanthin Pilot Study of Response to Supplementation (ZEASTRESS-Pilot)

Abstract

We report on the short-term test-retest baseline variability in macular function tests in ZEASTRESS-Pilot participants (n = 18), on their cross-sectional correlation with macular pigment optical density (MPOD), and on the effects of four months (FUV4) of 20 mg/day zeaxanthin (ZX), followed by a four-month washout (FUV8; n = 24, age 50–81 years old). Outcomes included: MPOD at 0.5 and 2.0 deg eccentricity (MPOD-0.5 and -2.0); contrast sensitivity (CS); pattern-reversal electroretinogram (PERG) amplitude; dark-adapted 650 nm foveal cone sensitivity (DA650-FCS); and 500 mn parafoveal rod sensitivity (DA500-PFRS). All measures of macular function showed close test-retest correlation (Pearson’s r range: 0.744–0.946) and low coefficients of variation (CV range: 1.13%–4.00%). MPOD correlated in a complex fashion with macular function. Following supplementation, MPOD-0.5 and MPOD-2.0 increased at both FUV4 and FUV8 (p ≤ 0.0001 for all measures). Continued, delayed MPOD increase and a small, but significant (p = 0.012), CS increase was seen at FUV8 only in females. PERGs increased significantly at FUV4 (p = 0.0006), followed by a partial decline at FUV8. In conclusion, following ZX supplementation, MPOD increased significantly. There was no effect on DA-650 FCS or DA-500 PFRS. Both CS and PERG amplitudes increased following supplementation, but the effect varied between males and females. Additional studies appear warranted to confirm and characterize further these inter-gender differences.

Relationship between Macula Pigment Optical Density and Visual Performances in Patients with dry Age related Macular Degeneration accompanied with Macula Drusens

“…In to a mean value of 15dB, 21dB, 26 dB in-order to low, mid, high ranges of MPOD value. Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between Contrast sensitivity and Macula pigments [17,32] this study shows a significant decrease of contrast sensitivity with lowering of MPOD in p > 0.05 and the results are consistent with J. Loughmans' findings in Macular pigment and its contribution to visual performance and experience [17]. Low range MPOD group shows very low levels of contrast sensitivity compared to other groups.…”

Antecedents of Soft Drusen, the Specific Deposits of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, in the Biology of Human Macula

“…A detailed time course of XP repletion in two volunteers has shown a steady increase for 140 days after initiation of supplementation, followed by a plateau or slight decrease to 1 year or more 157. Many studies report that dietary supplementation results in higher MPOD (measured behaviorally or via several imaging technologies) at the earliest time points tested, typically 2 to 4 months and depending on the dose and baseline XP levels in test subjects 131,158–169. XP removal is less well documented, with limited data suggesting stable, slightly decreasing, or baseline MPOD 157,169.…”

Rod-Mediated Dark Adaptation and Macular Pigment Optical Density in Older Adults with Normal Maculas

“…Associations between rod-mediated vision and MPOD have also been reported for both younger and older normal eyes, 6,15 although one study reported no association. 21…”