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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
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Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
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Correlations Between Macular, Skin, and Serum Carotenoids
Christopher D Conrady1, James P Bell1, Brian M Besch1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|July 21, 2017
Summary
Dual wavelength retinal autofluorescence imaging (AFI) and skin resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) are reliable, noninvasive methods to measure macular carotenoids and systemic carotenoid levels, serving as valuable biomarkers for eye health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomarkers
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Macular carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are potential biomarkers for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk.
- Ocular and systemic measurements of these carotenoids are crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare dual wavelength retinal autofluorescence imaging (AFI) with skin resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) and serum carotenoid levels.
- To evaluate these methods as potential biomarkers for macular carotenoid status.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-eight patients from ophthalmology practices underwent measurements using RRS (skin), AFI (macular pigment), and HPLC (serum).
- Exclusion criteria included specific macular diseases or poor image quality.
Main Results:
- Skin RRS and serum zeaxanthin strongly correlated with AFI macular pigment volume under the curve (MPVUC) up to 9° eccentricity.
- Measurements were reproducible, unaffected by cataracts, and identified supplement users.
Conclusions:
- AFI (MPVUC) and skin RRS are noninvasive, objective, and reliable methods for assessing ocular and systemic carotenoid levels.
- These techniques offer an attractive alternative to existing methods for measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD).
- Skin RRS and MPVUC at 9° are suitable biomarkers for macular carotenoid status in clinical and research settings.
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