A Comparison of Macular Pigment and Melatonin in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Healthy Control Subjects - A Study Using Spectral Fundus Reflectance

Abstract

Purpose: : A variety of previous studies have reported an age-dependent decline of macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Results are, however, strongly dependent on the technique used. In the present study we investigated the age-dependence of MPOD and melatonin using spectral fundus reflectance. In addition, we hypothesized that patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have a reduced MPOD as compared to healthy controls.

Methods: : A total of 82 healthy subjects and 96 patients with AMD were included in this study. The healthy control subjects showed a wide range of ages (mean 51.6 years, range 21-79 years). Patients with AMD were significantly older (mean 71.2 years, range 50-89 years). Spectral fundus reflectance of the fovea was measured in a 2.3° detection field with a custom built fundus reflectometer. Calculation of MP and melanin optical density was based on a previously published fundus reflectance model (van de Kraats et al. Vision Res. 1996).

Results: : No age dependence of MPOD (r = -0.15) or melatonin optical density (r = 0.08) was found in the healthy control group. Patients with AMD, however, showed a reduced MPOD (0.35 ± 0.12) as compared to the healthy control group (0.39 ± 0.12, p = 0.013 between groups). No significant difference in melatonin optical density was observed between the two groups (AMD: 1.05 ± 0.24; healthy controls: 1.03 ± 0.24, p = 0.58 between groups).

Conclusions: : No age dependence of MPOD (r = -0.15) or melatonin optical density (r = 0.08) was found in the healthy control group. Patients with AMD, however, showed a reduced MPOD (0.35 ± 0.12) as compared to the healthy control group (0.39 ± 0.12, p = 0.013 between groups). No significant difference in melatonin optical density was observed between the two groups (AMD: 1.05 ± 0.24; healthy controls: 1.03 ± 0.24, p = 0.58 between groups).

Clinical Trial: : www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00993330

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • macular pigment • retinal pigment epithelium