Macular pigment optical density in a Chinese sample
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Robert F Lam1, Srinivas K Rao, Dorothy S P Fan
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Extensive efforts have been devoted to determining the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in Caucasian subjects. Unfortunately, no such data in ethnic groups with naturally dark irises are currently available. In this study, we report the values in a sample of Chinese subjects.
Methods:
The MPOD was measured psychophysically using a densitometer at 0.25 degrees , 0.50 degrees , 1.00 degrees , and 2.00 degrees eccentricity from the foveal center in 92 Chinese subjects.
Results:
The spatial profile for the averaged MPOD was approximately exponential in form and showed a decline with age (r = -0.23). Subjects aged below 60 years had significantly higher averaged MPOD than those aged 60 years or above. Significant gender differences, in favor of males, were also found in the middle-age groups.
Conclusions:
Our study reports for the first time the MPOD in a Chinese population. Baseline information on MPOD would aid future research in preventive measures against age-related macular degeneration.
