Macular pigment density and distribution: comparison of fundus autofluorescence with minimum motion photometry

Macular pigment (MP) distribution profiles were measured for 18 subjects using a Moreland anomaloscope modified for motion photometry. The total amount of MP within the central 7degrees was estimated from the distribution profile by numerical integration. Fundus autofluorescence images were obtained for eight of these subjects, using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Peak optical density of MP increased with the total amount present, but the correlation was weakened by inter-subject differences in MP distribution. The mean MP distribution derived from mean grey-scale profiles of fundus autofluorescence images correlated closely with that obtained psychophysically (r = 0.96). Autofluorescence imaging provides a fast non-invasive method for assessing MP in vivo. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.