Abstract

Past psychophysical studies have shown that macular pigment optical density (MP) varies dramatically among individuals.^1-5 Such studies have examined MP density differences using limited stimuli; typically a one-degree test field is used. Consequently, little is known regarding individual variations in other aspects of MP such as spatial dimensions. Psychophysical studies that have mapped MP spatial profiles^5-7 have been conducted on very small samples providing no information on the range of individual differences. Such differences may be important for both basic and applied research. On a basic level, variability in MP distributions is an important consideration in quantitative models of color vision. On an applied level, since MP preferentially absorbs damaging short-wavelength light and peaks-in a region of the retina (i.e., the foveola) that appears to be most resistant to degenerative change, differences in the spatial profile of MP may have clinical consequences. This hypothesis is consistent with the findings of Weiter, Delori and Dorey (1988)8, who examined patients with annular maculopathy. They found that the spatial profile of MP was highly related to the "bulls eye" region of the retina that was spared in these degenerative conditions. Given the implications for both basic and applied research, normative data on individual variations in MP spatial profiles is needed.

© 1996 Optical Society of America