Article
Differences in macular pigment density in both eyes
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
In this study we measured macular pigment density (MPD) of both eyes in healthy subjects and in patients with funduscopic signs of early stages of age-related maculopathy (ARM). We correlated the measured MPD of right and left eye.
Methods
MPD measurement was performed by using a modified confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). For quantification we took autofluorescence images at two different wave lengths (488 nm and 514 nm) and MPD was evaluated within two degrees around the center of the fovea. We included 41 healthy subjects (21 women, 20 men; mean age 45,5±17,5 years) and 60 patients with early stages of ARM (42 women, 18 men; mean age 68,9±7,9 years) into the study and measured MPD in density units (DU) in both eyes.
Results
Mean MPD of healthy subjects was 0,210±0,058 DU in right eyes and 0,222±0,063 DU in left eyes. Mean difference between right and left eyes was 0,012 DU with a range of 0,329 DU. No significant difference between MPD of both eyes was found. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation of R2=0,376. Mean MPD of patients with ARM was 0,220±0,080 DU in right eyes and 0,203±0,082 DU in left eyes. Mean difference between right and left eyes was 0,018 DU with a range of 0,368 DU. There was also no significant difference in MPD between both eyes. For this group correlation was R2=0,380.
Conclusions
For healthy subjects as well as for patients with early ARM stages no significant differences between MPD of both eyes were found. However some patients showed obvious differences between both eyes. Both groups showed a slightly positive correlation between right and left eye. Further studies are necessary to elucidate our results and to investigate monocular low MPD values as a possible risk factor for ARM progression.
supported by DFG Wo 478/11