RT Journal Article
A1 Lam, R.F.
A1 Rao, S.K.
A1 Fan, D.S. P.
A1 Lam, D.S. C.
T1  Macular Pigment Optical Density in a Chinese Sample 
JF Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
JO Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.
YR 2005
VO 46
IS 13
SP 1761
OP 1761
SN 1552-5783
AB    Abstract:   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 irides, such as the Chinese, 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°, 0.50°, 1.00° and 2.00° eccentricity from the foveal center. Ninety–two ethnic Chinese subjects ranging in age from 16 to 85 (mean 39.1) years were studied.  Results:  The spatial profile for the averaged MPOD was approximately exponential in form (Figure 1) and showed a decline with age (r = –0.23, Figure 2). The averaged MPOD in log units at 1.00° eccentricity for subjects aged <20, ≥20 & <40, ≥40 & <60, ≥60 years were 0.37, 0.33, 0.32 and 0.20 respectively. Subjects aged below 60 years had a 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. There were no significant interocular differences.  Conclusions:  Our study reports for the first time, the MPOD in a Chinese population. The observed age and gender distribution in Chinese subjects concur with the recently published Western data. Baseline information on MPOD would aid future research in preventive measures against age–related macular degeneration.      
RD 2/26/2021