Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine whether disease stage is related to macular pigment density in retinitis pigmentosa. Methods: Visual acuity (Snellen logMAR and ETDRS), visual field area by kinetic perimetry (Goldmann V4e and I4e stimuli), visual field sensitivity by static perimetry (Humphrey 30-2 + 30/60-1 total point score, size V stimulus), full-field electroretinogram amplitude (30 Hz flashes), and macular pigment density were measured in 50 patients (ages 18-58 years, 23 males and 27 females) with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa and Snellen visual acuities of 20/20 to 20/70 in the study eye. Macular pigment density (range: 0.01 to 1.00) was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry using a commercial table-top instrument. The patients adjusted the radiance of a 460 nm stimulus alternating with a 570 nm stimulus to minimize flicker within the central 1° and at 5° or 7° eccentricity as a reference location. Results: Macular pigment density was a significant predictor of Snellen logMAR (p=0.02), ETDRS acuity (p=0.005), I4e log visual field area (p=0.008), visual field sensitivity (p=0.01), and log electroretinogram amplitude (p=0.02). Conclusion: Patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa with greater macular pigment density have a milder stage of disease. These results support and extend the findings of Aleman, et al, IOVS 2001;42:1873.
Keywords: 462 macular pigment • 562 retinal degenerations: hereditary • 554 retina