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Central sparing in annular macular degeneration.
J J Weiter1, F Delori, C K Dorey
1Retina Associates, Boston, MA 02114.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 15, 1988
Summary
Macular yellow pigment may protect the macula by contributing to the annular pattern observed in annular maculopathy. This study measured central sparing and pigment size, finding a close approximation between the two.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Research
- Macular Degeneration
Background:
- Annular maculopathy is characterized by a ring-like pattern in the macula.
- The role of macular yellow pigment in retinal disease patterns is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between central sparing in annular maculopathy and the size of macular yellow pigment.
- To explore the potential photoprotective role of macular yellow pigment in this condition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescein angiography and monochromatic photography to measure central sparing in 45 patients with annular maculopathy.
- Quantified macular yellow pigment size in 40 healthy subjects.
- Compared measurements between the two groups.
Main Results:
- The mean size of central sparing in annular maculopathy was 0.34 +/- 0.15 disk diameter.
- The mean size of macular yellow pigment was 0.31 +/- 0.12 disk diameter.
- A close approximation was observed between the size of central sparing and macular yellow pigment.
Conclusions:
- Macular yellow pigment likely contributes to the annular pattern in annular maculopathy.
- The findings suggest a photoprotective mechanism for macular yellow pigment in the macula.