On the age dependency of the macular pigment optical density

Macular pigment may protect against age related macular degeneration (AMD), because of its capability to absorb blue light and scavenge free radicals. Since age is the major risk factor in AMD, a fundamental question to be answered is the possible age dependence of the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in normal healthy subjects. In this study we used five methods to study a possible age effect: heterochromatic flickerphotometry, two setups for fundus reflectance spectroscopy, a Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO) for obtaining reflectance, and the same SLO for autofluorescence maps. MPOD was determined from the reflected light by a full spectral analysis. We also used a new, directional analysis of the reflected light to estimate MPOD. The latter avoids the disturbing influence of stray-light. Digital subtraction at two wavelengths of log reflectance and digital subtraction of log autofluorescence obtained with the SLO provided MPOD maps. Together, all methods of measuring and of analysis provided seven MPOD estimates per subject. A total of 53 subjects, aged 19-76 years, completed all five measurements (and thus seven analyses). An additional 81 subjects, aged 18-70 years, were measured with one setup for fundus reflectance spectroscopy (and thus only two analyses). We could not find any association with age with all the objective techniques. Only MPOD values obtained with heterochromatic flickerphotometry showed a small, but significant decrease with age. This decrease was caused by an increase in the parafoveal data, suggesting that the central MPOD is unchanged with age. The bivariate correlation coefficients between all methods were significant (all p<0.001).     

Functional changes measured with SLO in idiopathic macular holes and in macular changes secondary to premacular fibrosis. Function in macular holes

Aim: To evaluate fundus perimetry and laser scanning tomography in idiopathic macular holes and premacular fibrosis and to describe specific functional findings of the adjacent retina. Patients and methods: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with macular holes and epiretinal membranes (visual acuity 0.05–0.5) aged 64 ± 13 years were examined using automaticthreshold fundus perimetry with simultaneous observation of fixation, as well as a special fixation task with the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). In addition, area and depth of the holes were measured using scanning laser tomography (Heidelberg retina tomograph). Results: All 21 eyes with full thickness macular holes (0.06–0.75 mm² area; 0.06–0.53 mm depth) showed an absolute scotoma inside of the hole with location of the fixation area at the left border or top of the hole. In contrast, the patients with impending holes or epiretinal membranes (0.14–0.32 mm² area, 0.09–0.17 mm depth) could detect bright stimuli during perimetry (10–20 dB and 3–9 dB, respectively). We observed a reduced light increment sensibility (4–13 dB) surrounding the full thickness hole in 15 eyes, either with attached or detached retina. Conclusions: Fundus perimetry with simultaneous documentation of fixation offers the option to detect functional differences between macular holes and changes secondary to epiretinal membrane formation. There is an area of reduced function even in eyes with clinically and tomographically attached retina surrounding the hole which might influence surgical results.     

共焦激光断层扫描仪对黄斑区视网膜病变的检测

目的 探讨新型的共焦激光断层扫描仪在黄斑部病变鉴别诊断中的应用价值。方法 运用共焦激光断层扫描仪（ＨＲＴ）对３２例黄斑病变患眼相应病变部位进行检测,以２８例正常眼为对照组。结果 黄斑全层孔组、板层裂孔组与正常眼组相比以及两病变组间比较黄斑区平均最大深度有显著差异。黄斑水肿组黄斑区视网膜则明显抬升。结论共焦激光断层扫描地形图是一种非侵入性的检测方法,操作方便、快速、安全,是黄斑部病变鉴别诊断较理想的     

Fundus autofluorescence in patients with macular holes imaged with a laser scanning ophthalmoscope

AIM—To demonstrate the usefulness of a recently developed technique of imaging fundus autofluorescence and to compare it with the results of fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis and staging of macular holes.
METHODS—The intensity and distribution of fundus autofluorescence was studied in 51 patients with idiopathic macular holes and pseudoholes using a confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope (cLSO) and the images were compared with those obtained by fundus fluorescein angiography.
RESULTS—Autofluorescence imaging demonstrated bright fluorescence of macular holes with appearance similar to that obtained by fluorescein angiography. In contrast macular pseuodoholes showed no such autofluorescence. The attached operculum in stage 2 macular holes and the preretinal operculum in stage 3 macular holes showed focal decreased autofluorescence. The associated retinal elevation and the cuff of subretinal fluid were less fluorescent compared with the background autofluorescence of the normal fellow eyes. Following successful surgical treatment the autofluorescence of the macular holes was no longer visible.
CONCLUSION—Autofluorescence imaging with the cLSO makes the assessment of macular holes possible with an accuracy comparable with that of fluorescein angiography. Being non-invasive and rapid, autofluorescence imaging may become a useful alternative to fluorescein angiography in the assessment and the differential diagnosis of full thickness macular holes.

Keywords: fundus autofluorescence; macular hole; lipofuscin; retinal pigment epithelium; laser scanning ophthalmoscope     

年龄相关性黄斑变性玻璃膜疣的F-10共焦激光扫描检眼镜retro-mode成像检查

目的:探讨F-10共焦激光扫描检眼镜(cSLO)retro-mode成像在年龄相关性黄斑变性(AMD)玻璃膜疣检查中的应用价值.方法:回顾性病例研究.选取 2015-10/2016-12于我院眼科门诊确诊的AMD患者67例67眼和对侧67眼的临床资料纳入研究.所有患者均行眼底彩色照相、光学相干断层扫描(optical coherence tomography,OCT)和F-10cSLOretro-mode成像检查.对比观察单侧AMD患者患眼玻璃膜疣的眼底彩色照相、OCT及retro-mode成像图像特征,并计算分析retro-mode成像与眼底彩色照相及OCT对单侧AMD患者对侧眼玻璃膜疣的检出率.结果:F-10cSLOretro-mode成像能够清晰显示单侧AMD患者患眼一些在眼底彩色照相和OCT检查中并未出现的玻璃膜疣病灶.在67例单侧AMD患者对侧眼,retro-mode成像发现玻璃膜疣56眼(84%),眼底彩色照相发现玻璃膜疣36眼(54%),OCT发现玻璃膜疣48眼(72%),差异有统计学意义(χ2=14.31,P<0.05).两两分别比较,retro-mode成像对玻璃膜疣的检出率显著高于眼底彩色照相,差异有统计学意义(χ2=13.87,P′<0.0125);而retro-mode成像与OCT比较对玻璃膜疣的检出率差异无统计学意义(χ2=2.75,P′>0.0125).结论:F-10cSLOretro-mode成像作为一种非侵入性的检查方法,能够有效地检测AMD玻璃膜疣.     

黄斑色素光学密度相关的临床应用

人类视网膜黄斑区富含黄斑色素（macular pigment,MP）,MP对视网膜具有重要的保护意义,且与人类视功能密切相关。MP水平可通过黄斑色素光学密度（macular pigment optical density,MPOD）来评估。研究表明,MP的减少或缺失对多种眼科疾病（包括年龄相关性黄斑病变、糖尿病性视网膜病变、青光眼等）的发生发展及预后的判断具有重要意义,MPOD的测量在相关全身疾病（如Sjogren-Larsson综合征）的诊断、管理和治疗中同样发挥作用。     

黄斑囊样水肿患者白发荧光与黄斑色素密度的关系

目的探讨黄斑囊样水肿（CME）眼底自发荧光与黄斑色素密度的相关性,以提供对其预后有临床价值的技术参数。设计回顾性病例系列。研究对象2009年8月至2010年7月于北京同仁医院确诊CME的视网膜中央静脉阻塞、视网膜分支静脉阻塞及糖尿病视网膜病变的患者18例（24眼）。24只正常眼选自年龄及性别相匹配者。方法对所有患眼及正常对照眼行彩色眼底照相、荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）及相干光断层扫描（OCT）确诊CME。采用海德堡公司HRA一2共焦激光扫描系统的IR（infrared）及FA（不注入荧光素钠）模式进行眼底自发荧光及黄斑色素密度的检测。黄斑色素密度按Zhang等分期法分为完整的黄斑色素、部分黄斑色素及黄斑色素缺失三级。采用MonteCarlo精确检验说明不同分级的黄斑色素密度与自发荧光的相关性,线性相关卡方检验分析两个变量之间的变化趋势。主要指标眼底自发荧光的分布及形态、黄斑色素的分布及密度。结果24只CME眼自发荧光均为阳性（100％）,并在黄斑区呈花瓣样表现,而正常对照眼的黄斑自发荧光均为阴性。CME眼中黄斑色素缺失22眼（91．7％）,部分黄斑色素2眼（8．3％）;正常对照眼黄斑色素密度均为完整的黄斑色素（100％）。黄斑色素密度与自发荧光的出现在本次研究中呈现负相关（x2=45．123,P=0．0001）。结论CME患者中黄斑色素密度大小与黄斑区自发荧光呈负相关,黄斑区自发荧光可做为其随诊的临床评价指标。     

Interocular agreement in melanin and macular pigment optical density

Macular pigment (MP) and melanin possibly protect the macular area by absorbing blue light and acting as antioxidants. Because little is known about the interocular correlation of melanin, we determined its optical density (MOD) in both eyes of healthy subjects using fundus reflectometry. The measuring method also provided optical densities of MP (MPOD). In addition to evaluating its interocular correspondence we checked its dependency on central retinal thickness as measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Spectral fundus reflectance was measured in 69 eyes of 37 healthy participants. Both eyes of 32 subjects (15 males and 17 females, aged 57.9+/-14.6 years) were used to evaluate interocular correspondences. MPOD data from 35 right eyes of 18 males and 17 females, aged 55.7+/-15.7 years, was used to evaluate the relation between central retinal thickness and MPOD. MOD was 0.99+/-0.30 (range: 0.57-2.07) for the left eyes and 1.02+/-0.28 (range: 0.62-2.07) for the right eyes. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.89 (P<0.001). MPOD was 0.49+/-0.19 for the left eyes (range: 0.12-0.81) and 0.47+/-0.17 (range: 0.14-0.73) for the right eyes. The ICC was 0.91 (P<0.001). Macular retinal thickness (MRT), representing the average macular thickness in the central 1000 microm zone, was 210+/-28 microm. Foveal retinal thickness (FRT), representing the retinal thickness at the crossing of the 6 radial scan lines on OCT, was 175+/-34 microm. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed no significant linear association between MRT and MPOD (r=-0.04, P=0.82), and between FRT and MPOD (r=0.05, P=0.78). The optical density of melanin showed a high interocular correspondence in healthy white participants. Similar results were found for MPOD. Relative interocular differences of more than 32% in MOD, or more than 34% in MPOD, may point to pathology. No relation between central retinal thickness and MPOD was found.     

Visualization of cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode

Purpose: To investigate cystoid macular oedema using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 eyes with cystoid macular oedema because of various aetiologies. All eyes were examined with a new, commercially available scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode with an infrared laser. Results: In all eyes, scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode showed numerous oval or polygonal cystoid spaces. Most eyes showed a large cystoid space beneath the fovea, with surrounding small cystoid spaces. The area of the foveal cystoid space showed a correlation with its height, as measured with optical coherence tomography (R = 0.60, P < 0.0001). Visual acuity, however, did not show any correlation with either the area of the foveal cystoid space or area of all of the cystoid spaces in the macular area. Conclusion: Scanning laser ophthalmoscope in the retro‐mode can show each cystoid space located in any layer of the retina and allows us to detect the extent of cystoid macular oedema.     

Two-wavelength fundus autofluorescence and macular pigment optical density imaging in diabetic macular oedema

Purpose

To evaluate the application of 488 and 514 nm fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) imaging in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and to demonstrate the typical imaging features.

Patients and Methods

A hundred and twenty-five eyes of 71 consecutive patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent examination at a specialist university clinic employing a modified Heidelberg Retina Angiograph, using two different light sources of 488 and 514 nm wavelength, were retrospectively reviewed. MPOD images were calculated using modified Heidelberg Eye Explorer software. All images were evaluated by two independent masked graders. Features from FAF and MPOD images were correlated with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging findings and inter-grader variability, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using OCT as reference.

Results

Sixty-seven eyes had DMO on OCT. The inter-grader variability was 0.84 for 488 nm FAF, 0.63 for 514 nm FAF and 0.79 for MPOD imaging. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of DMO were 80.6 and 89.7% for 488 nm FAF; 55.2 and 94.8% for 514 nm FAF; and 80.6 and 91.4% for MPOD imaging. In 488 nm FAF and MPOD imaging, DMO was better visualised in comparison with 514 nm FAF imaging, P<0.01. MPOD revealed displacement of macular pigment by intraretinal cysts.

Conclusion

MPOD imaging, and particularly its combination with 488 nm and 514 nm FAF, provides a valuable addition to OCT in the evaluation of DMO and is clinically useful in rapid en-face assessment of the central macula.     

黄斑色素光学密度、中央黄斑厚度与体重指数的关系

目的：评估黄斑色素光学密度(MPOD)、中央黄斑厚度与体重指数(BMI)的关系。

方法：这是一项在单一机构中进行比较的横断面研究。本研究共纳入210名符合入选标准的志愿者。使用黄斑色素筛选剂II对受试者MPOD进行测量。使用SD Cirrus OCT测量中央黄斑厚度。记录所有眼MPOD和OCT信息。使用Microsoft^©Excel,SPSS和R进行数据分析。

结果：MPOD和中央黄斑厚度之间呈明显正相关(r=0.42, P<0.01)。同时,MPOD和BMI之间呈明显负相关(r=-0.23, P<0.01)。

结论：研究得出,MPOD和中央黄斑厚度之间呈明显正相关。还需要进一步研究中央凹的详细结构及其与MPOD的关系。研究发现了MPOD与BMI之间呈明显正相关,且得出BMI的降低可能会增加黄斑色素的密度,这有助于预防年龄相关性黄斑变性(ARMD)。     

黄斑色素密度检测方法的新进展

总结近年来黄斑色素密度的测量方法。目前相关研究中所使用的方法包括体内测量和体外测量,后者分为客观测量法与主观测量法,使用较多的是体外测量,现就这些测量方法作一综述。     

Correlations among macular pigment optical density, central macular thickness, and body mass index

AIM: To determine the relationship among the macular pigment optical density (MPOD), central macular thickness (CMT) and body mass index (BMI).METHODS: This is a comparative cross-sectional study performed in a single institution. Totally 210 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The subject’s MPOD was measured using Macula Pigment Screener II (MPS II, by Electron Technology). CMT was measured with Spectral Domain Cirrus Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Cirrus (Model 4000, Carl Zeiss Meditec). The information of both MPOD and OCT from both eyes were recorded. The data was analysed using Microsoft? Excel, SPSS, and R (version 3.2.1; R Core Team 2015).RESULTS: There was significant positive correlation between MPOD and CMT (r=0.42, P<0.01) and a significant negative correlation between MPOD and BMI (r=-0.23, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significant positive correlation between MPOD and CMT. Further study is needed to look at the detailed structure of the fovea and its relationship with MPOD. Our study also found a significant negative correlation between MPOD and BMI, suggesting that a reduction in BMI may increase the density of macula pigment, which can be helpful in preventing age-retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARMD).     

特发性黄斑裂孔眼底自发荧光成像研究

目的比较分析特发性黄斑裂孔（IMH）患者眼底自发荧光（FAF）图像及荧光素眼底血管造影（FFA）图像的特征。方法对33例（36眼）IMH患者应用共焦激光扫描检眼镜进行检查,分析FAF图像与FFA图像。另外选取16例正常人作为对照。利用MIG2000图像测量系统对黄斑中心凹进行自发荧光强度测定。结果33例（36眼）IMH患者中,全层黄斑裂孔26眼（72．2％）,板层黄斑裂孔10眼（27．7％）。黄斑自发荧光的特征：正常眼底中心凹FAF呈局部低荧光;黄斑裂孔表现为高荧光,与FFA的图像相似。6例板层裂孑LFAF、FFA均未见异常,其余4例板层孔中心凹处FFA表现为轻度增强的透见荧光,相应部位FAF见轻度增强的自发荧光。全层黄斑裂孔在裂孔处有明显增强的FAF,FFA的“窗样缺损”,在位置、面积、形状上与FAF一致。结论FAF检测为黄斑裂孔的诊断提供了一个新的、快速、非创性检查手段。     

The role of macular pigment assessment in clinical practice: a review

This review compares the results of studies that have investigated the impact of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) with those that have investigated the reliability of techniques used to measure macular pigment optical density. The review will focus on studies that have used heterochromatic flicker photometry for measurement of macular pigment optical density, as this is the only technique that is currently available commercially to clinicians. We identified articles that reported on supplementation with lutein and/or zeaxanthin and/or meso‐zeaxanthin on macular pigment optical density measurement techniques published in peer‐reviewed journals, through a multi‐staged, systematic approach. Twenty‐four studies have investigated the repeatability of MPOD measurements using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Of these, 10 studies provided a coefficient of repeatability or data from which the coefficient could be calculated, with a range in values of 0.06 to 0.58. The lowest coefficient of repeatability assessed on naïve subjects alone was 0.08. These values tell us that, at best, changes greater than 0.08 can be considered clinically significant and at worst, only changes greater than 0.58 can be considered clinically significant. Six studies assessed the effect of supplementation with up to 20 mg/day lutein on macular pigment optical density measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry and the mean increase in macular pigment optical density ranged from 0.025 to 0.09. It seems reasonable to conclude that the chance of eliciting an increase in macular pigment optical density during six months of daily supplementation with between 10 and 20 mg lutein that is of sufficient magnitude to be detected by using heterochromatic flicker photometry on an individual basis is small. Commercially available heterochromatic flicker photometers for macular pigment optical density assessment in the clinical environment appear to demonstrate particularly poor coefficient of repeatability values. Clinicians should exercise caution when considering the purchase of these instruments for potential monitoring of macular pigment optical density in response to supplementation in individual patients.     

PASCAL激光联合玻璃体腔注药治疗糖尿病性黄斑水肿的短期疗效观察

目的 观察Pattern Scan Laser（PASCAL）模式扫描激光联合玻璃体腔注药治疗糖尿病性黄斑水肿（DME）的短期疗效。设计 回顾性比较性病例系列。研究对象 2012年12月至2014年2月唐山市眼科医院收治的重度非增生性糖尿病视网膜病变（NPDR）及增生性糖尿病视网膜病变（PDR）合并DME患者80例（135眼）。方法 40例（70眼）采用PASCAL激光联合玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德（IVTA）2 mg,为治疗组;40例（65眼）采用传统多波长氪离子激光治疗,为对照组。两组患者术前DME病变程度无明显差异。通过诊断验光、相干光断层扫描（OCT）及微视野计（SLO）检查随访患者治疗前及治疗后3个月最佳矫正视力（BCVA）、黄斑中心厚度（CMT）及黄斑中心10°范围内平均光敏感度变化情况。主要指标 BCVA（logMAR）、CMT及黄斑中心10°范围内平均光敏感度。结果 治疗组治疗后3个月BCVA、CMT、黄斑区10°范围平均光敏感度的治疗有效及显效眼数总和较对照组多（治疗组分别为62眼、64眼、60眼,对照组分别为42眼、47眼、30眼）两组比较差异有统计学差异（χ2=10.60、8.42、38.83,P=0.010、0.005、0.023）。治疗组总有效率（分别为88.57%、91.40%、85.70%）均高于对照组（分别为64.30%、72.30%、46.15%）。治疗后3个月治疗组BCVA（logMAR）及黄斑区10°范围平均光敏感度分别为0.400±0.700、16.000±13.500,好于对照组（0.600±0.900、12.500±10.000）,两组比较差异有统计学意义（t=0.612、0.695,P=0.010、0.005）。治疗组CMT（325±125） μm,与对照组（350±125） μm比较,差异无统计学意义（t=0.520,P=0.223）。结论 PASCAL激光联合IVTA治疗DME的疗效明显优于传统氪离子激光治疗模式,具有治疗后可快速提高中心视力,降低黄斑中心厚度,明显降低激光对黄斑区视敏度损害的优势。（眼科,2015,24：332-336）       

CFF thresholds: relation to macular pigment optical density

PURPOSE: Only two small studies have evaluated the relation between individual differences in macular pigment (MP) levels and visual health prior to retinal disease. In this study, we assess the relation between MP and a general measure of visual health, the critical flicker fusion (CFF) threshold. METHODS: A total of 134 subjects were assessed. CFF values were determined psychophysically using a 570 nm, circular 1-degree test field centrally fixated. MP optical density was measured using flicker photometry and a 1-degree circular 458 nm test field centrally fixated. Personal characteristics were determined by questionnaire. RESULTS: Similar to past studies, we found a significant decline in CFF values with age (r = -0.56). There was a significant positive relationship (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) between MP density and CFF values that was independent of age. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with a protective effect of MP on visual health across the lifespan.     

Measurement of macular pigment optical density among healthy Chinese people and patients with early-stage age-related macular degeneration

AIM: To measure the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in healthy Chinese people and patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Cross-sectional population based study. Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained by questionnaire. A food frequency questionnaire was completed for all participants. Participants underwent general physical and ophthalmic examinations and MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry. Foveal architecture was measured by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: MPOD of 225 participants (122 healthy and 103 early AMD) was 0.48±0.18. Patients with early AMD (0.52±0.19) tended to have higher MPOD levels than healthy people (0.47±0.17), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.06). Participants with carrot or corn oil intake every week tended to have higher levels of MPOD (P=0.002 and 0.008 respectively) while those with corn intake had relatively lower level of MPOD (P=0.01). MPOD increased with the center foveal thickness (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that there is no statistically significant association between MPOD and early AMD in the studied population. MPOD is related to center foveal thickness and diets would influence MPOD levels.     

Relationship between macular pigment and visual acuity in eyes with early age‐related macular degeneration

Purpose: Today the extent to which MP impacts visual function in early AMD remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and high‐contrast visual acuity (HC‐VA) and low‐contrast visual acuity (LC‐VA) in eyes with early age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Measurements were made in 22 subjects with early AMD and 27 healthy control subjects. Distance best‐corrected VA was measured using HC (96%) and LC (10%) Bailey‐Lovie logMAR letter charts under photopic luminance conditions. MPOD was determined at the fovea through apparent motion photometry using the cathode ray tube‐based Metropsis psychophysical vision test (Cambridge Research Systems). Results: No significant differences in foveal MPOD were detected between the control eyes (0.30 ± 0.24 log units) and eyes with early AMD (0.27 ± 0.15 log units). Neither were differences detected between the two groups in mean HC‐ and LC‐VA. Foveal MPOD showed significant correlation with both photopic HC‐VA (r = ?0.47, p = 0.0008) and LC‐VA (r = ?0.46, p = 0.0008) such that as MPOD increased, photopic HC‐VA and LC‐VA improved (lower logMAR values). Conclusions: Low MP levels were related to worse visual function in both healthy eyes and eyes with early AMD. Our findings provide direction for future studies designed to improve retinal function through the use of oral supplements known to increase MP levels, especially in eyes with AMD and a low MPOD.