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Measurement of macular pigment optical density and distribution using the steady-state visual evoked potential

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2008

ANTHONY G. ROBSON  and
NEIL R.A. PARRY
ANTHONY G. ROBSON*
Affiliation:
Department of Electrophysiology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
NEIL R.A. PARRY
Affiliation:
Vision Science Centre, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
*
*Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Anthony G. Robson, Department of Electrophysiology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK. E-mail: anthony.robson@moorfields.nhs.uk
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to specify isoluminance at different retinal eccentricities and to characterize macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and distribution using the steady-state visual evoked potential (VEP). Red–green (R/G) and blue–green (B/G) gratings were generated within two circular stimulus fields (radius = 0.55 or 1.1 deg) and within four annular fields (maximum mean radius = 6.0 deg) on a color monitor. Temporal frequency was 15 Hz. Isoluminance was determined for each stimulus using minimum flicker photometry. Steady-state onset–offset VEPs were recorded to the same annular stimuli as the luminance ratio between adjacent chromatic components was changed from 0.25 to 0.85 in 11 automated steps (0.5 representing photometric isoluminance). Fourier analysis showed that the power of the first harmonic was minimized at the isoluminant ratio specific to each subject. Relative OD was computed by comparing the isoluminant ratio at any location with that for the most eccentric annulus. To compensate for the broadband characteristics of the monitor, OD values were corrected according to minimum flicker measurements made through known concentrations of carotenoid solution. MPOD was additionally measured using minimum motion photometry.

There was high correlation between the isoluminant ratios determined by minimum flicker and VEPs for both R/G and B/G stimulation (r = 0.91, P < 0.005, slope = 1). Calibrated OD values computed from VEP estimates of B/G isoluminance correlated with those derived from minimum flicker (r = 0.96, P < 0.0005, slope = 0.85) and motion photometry (r = 0.94, P < 0.0005, slope = 0.88). OD values derived from B/G VEPs increased toward the fovea and corresponded closely with minimum flicker and minimum motion assessment of MP distribution profiles. The steady-state VEP can be used to determine isoluminance at different retinal eccentricities. MPOD and distribution can be measured by steady-state VEPs to B/G stimuli.

Keywords

Macular pigmentVisual evoked potentialColor visionCarotenoid(s)Flicker photometry
Type
Research Articles
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 25 , Issue 4 , July 2008 , pp. 575 - 583
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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