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.