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Abstract
Abstract
Macular Pigment and Antioxidative Prophylactic Strategies
van Kuijk F. J. G. M.1, Trieschmann M.3, Fitzke F.2, Bird A. C.2, Pauleikhoff D.3
1University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston/USA; 2Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London/UK; 3St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster
Purpose: To review strategies for further investigation of the role of Macular pigment (MP) in prevention of Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). MP was first described as a yellow spot in the centre of the human eye, and was later identified as two xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin not only accumulate in the macula, but are also concentrated in the photoreceptor outer segments of the peripheral retina. The mechanism by which MP might influence ARMD is poorly understood. It would act as a blue light filter, thus reducing oxygen radical formation in the underlying photoreceptors.
Method: Previous studies on the role of MP in ARMD are based on measurement of peak optical density of MP in the center, using psychophysical methods. These studies do not take into account the large variation in distribution of MP as observed by autofluorescence imaging here.
Results: Using the autofluorescence imaging method we found that MP peak optical density does not always correlate with the total amount of MP present, and we were able to establish four major distribution patterns of MP in human retina. The most common pattern is primarily found in normal healthy individuals, while