Effect of cataract in evaluation of macular pigment optical density by autofluorescence spectrometry.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of cataract on the evaluation of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in aged patients.

METHODS

MPOD was prospectively measured using autofluorescence spectrometry before and after cataract surgery. The Lens Opacities Classification System III was used to grade the cataracts at baseline.

RESULTS

Forty-five eyes of 41 subjects, who had no ocular disorders or fundus autofluorescence abnormalities except for age-related nuclear cataract, were included. Preoperative MPOD was 0.350 ± 0.117 density unit (DU). Regression analysis showed that a higher nuclear color score correlated with lower MPOD (t = -2.90, P = 0.0063). The preoperative MPOD prediction formula was MPOD = 0.545 - 0.069 × nuclear color score. A higher nuclear color score correlated significantly with failure to measure the MPOD (χ(2) = 5.08, P = 0.0242). The mean postoperative MPOD was 0.600 DU (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.562-0.637), which was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than the preoperative level of 0.350 DU (95% CI, 0.313-0.388). Regression analysis showed that higher preoperative MPOD correlated with higher postoperative MPOD (t = 2.91, P = 0.0061).

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract, especially its nuclear component, affects MPOD measured by autofluorescence spectrometry. Care should be taken when using this method in eyes with age-related macular maculopathy and age-related macular degeneration and in older patients who may develop these diseases.