A central dip in the macular pigment spatial profile is associated with age and smoking

Mark L. Kirby, Stephen Beatty, Edward Loane, Mukunda C. Akkali, Eithne E. Connolly, Jim Stack, John M. Nolan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE. To investigate the relationship between specific macular pigment (MP) spatial profiles and risk factors for agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS. The MP spatial profile of 484 healthy subjects was measured with customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) and categorized into one of two profile types: typical exponential or atypical "central dip." Data on risk factors for AMD were obtained with a general health and lifestyle questionnaire. Dietary and serum concentrations of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) were also assessed. RESULTS. The presence of the central dip MP spatial profile was significantly more common in older subjects (the mean ± SD age of subjects with a central dip MP spatial profile was 46.9 ± 12 years, whereas the mean age of subjects with a typical MP spatial profile was 41.8 ±12 years; P ± 0.004) and in current cigarette smokers (P =0.031). Also, there was a significant age-related decline in central MP optical density (MPOD; 0.25° retinal eccentricity), but in the men only (r ± 0.146, P ± 0.049). CONCLUSIONS. A central dip in the MP spatial profile, seen in older subjects and in cigarette smokers, may represent an undesirable feature of macular pigmentation. Further research is needed in this area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6722-6728
Number of pages7
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume51
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A central dip in the macular pigment spatial profile is associated with age and smoking'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this