Measurement of Macular Pigment Optical Density Using Two Different Heterochromatic Flicker Photometers

Abstract

Purpose: To compare macular pigment optical density using two different heterochromatic flicker photometers. Methods: We measured macular pigment optical density in 121 healthy subjects using heterochromatic flicker photometry. Results: The mean (±SD) macular pigment optical density measured using the Maculometer was 0.394 (±0.170), and that using the Densitometer was 0.395 (±0.189). The difference in measurements on each instrument was influenced by age and macular pigment levels. Conclusions: On average, there is no difference in measurements provided by these two instruments. The Maculometer tends to underestimate macular pigment in older subjects and/or those with higher macular pigment compared with the Densitometer.

KEYWORDS:

• age-related maculopathy
• critical flicker frequency
• heterochromatic flicker photometry
• macular pigment
• retinal eccentricity