Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Photo-stress glare recoveries (GR) and contrast sensitivity (CSF) are weak surrogate markers for macular pigment optical density. (ARVO 2001, Richer et al, #3804; ARVO 2002, Pratt et al, #2540) We evaluated baseline MPOD, GR and CSF in females with and without a family history of AMD, as possible markers for future development of AMD. Methods: MPOD, GR and CSF were determined on n=66 females (56.8 +/- 12 yrs), with a negative family history for AMD (-FH), and n=50 females (55.7 +/- 10 yrs) with a positive family history of AMD (+FH), in an affluent suburban private practice. Patients had 20/20 best corrected VA, clear lens/media and no funduscopic evidence of AMD. GR was determined using Guilden Ophthalmics Eger Macular Stressometer, CSF with a Vector Vision CSV-1000 system, and MPOD psychophysically using heterochromic flicker photometry. Results: 1) Between-eye MPOD and GR are highly correlated (-FH group: MPOD r=0.51, GR r=0.47; +FH group: MPOD r=0.84, GR r=0.89). 2) There was no inter-group MPOD difference (-FH group: 0.53 sd 0.23 r eyes, 0.50 sd 0.23 l eyes vs. +FH group: 0.54 sd 0.19 r eyes, 0.55 sd 0.21 l eyes). 3) There was non-significant slowed GR in the +FH group (-FH group: 14.8 sd 10.7 sec r eyes, 12.7 sd 8.1 l eyes vs. +FH group: 16.2 sd 26 r eyes, 14.6 sd 14 l eyes, P=0.35, T Test r eyes; P=0.18 T Test l eyes). 4) There were no significant percentage differences in CSF in the +FH group (-FH group 73 % r eyes abnormal, 71 % l eyes abnormal vs. +FH group 66 % abnormal r eyes, 70 % l eyes abnormal). Conclusion: High MPOD among female patients in this affluent practice, with or without a family history of AMD, is consistent with equal visual function (GR and CSF) in these 2 groups of patients. Support: Kemin Foods, International (Des Moines, IA) and Guilden Ophthalmics (Elkins Park, PA) Need Dr Pratt’s ARVO poster # 2540 above
Keywords: macular pigment • contrast sensitivity