This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access.
Abstract
Melanin concentrations were analyzed in the pigment epithelium of 61 postmortem normal human eyes from donors 14-97 yr of age. The content of soluble melanin in the pigment epithelium declined with age from the highest values of 95 micrograms/mg in the 14-50 yr age group to the lowest values of 22 micrograms/mg dry weight in the over 70 yr age group. In 16 of these eyes, regional measurements revealed that melanin concentrations were lowest in the macula-perimacular area (a region 5-8 mm in diameter centered on the fovea), were higher in the mid-periphery, and were highest in the far periphery. In the macular region, melanin concentrations were similarly low at all ages, whereas, in the mid- and far-peripheral regions, melanin concentrations decreased with age. These studies demonstrate age-related reductions and regional variations in melanin concentrations in the pigment epithelium of postmortem normal human eyes, and establish a baseline for future comparison with donor eyes from patients with hereditary retinal degenerations.