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Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Macular pigment optical density before and after cataract extraction.
T A Ciulla1, B R Hammond, C W Yung
1Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA. tciulla@iupui.edu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 2001
Summary
Cataract surgery does not affect macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements. This study confirms that psychophysical methods reliably measure MPOD in elderly individuals, even with cataracts, demonstrating lens opacity has no significant impact.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
- Biomedical Optics
Background:
- Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is measured using psychophysical methods comparing short- and midwave light.
- Light absorption by the crystalline lens can influence MPOD measurements.
- The impact of lens absorption on MPOD has not been fully determined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the influence of lens absorption on MPOD measurements.
- To compare MPOD before and after cataract extraction.
Main Methods:
- MPOD was measured using flicker photometry at 458 nm with a 1-degree stimulus.
- Measurements were taken on 29 eyes from 24 patients undergoing cataract extraction.
Main Results:
- MPOD averaged 0.206 +/- 0.13 before and 0.18 +/- 0.12 after cataract extraction.
- MPOD measurements before and after surgery were highly correlated (r = +0.58).
- Cataractous lens did not significantly influence MPOD measurement technique.
Conclusions:
- Psychophysical techniques provide reliable MPOD measurements in elderly subjects, including those with cataracts.
- Varying lens opaqueness does not measurably influence MPOD results.
- Cataract extraction does not alter MPOD measurements.
