Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is the concentration of pigment in the macula, the central region of the retina.[1][2] Macular pigment absorbs short-wavelength blue light and may reduce oxidative stress in the retina through its antioxidant properties.[3] Primarily two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, with smaller amounts of meso-zeaxanthin,[4][5] these pigments come from foods like green leafy vegetables and yellow or orange fruits and are deposited in the macula lutea, a retinal area responsible for high-acuity vision.[6][7] In research on visual function and ocular health, studies examine its association with conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal disorders.[8][9][10][11]
Range
Macular pigment optical density ranges from 0 to 1 optical density unit, averaging 0.35 in the United States.[12][13] The range is divided into three levels: low (0–0.21), mid-range (0.21–0.44), and high (0.45–1.0).[14] Higher MPOD levels are associated with improved visual performance and a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several factors, including diet, age, and overall eye health, contribute to variations in MPOD levels.
Statistics by nation
A 2020 study of the Korean population measured macular pigment optical density with the Macular Pigment Screener II (MPSII).[15] The study found that healthy individuals had an average MPOD of 0.69 ± 0.18, and those with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) had a lower average of 0.55 ± 0.17.[16] Across all participants, the mean MPOD was 0.59 ± 0.20, with variations observed between different groups. The research also identified a statistically significant decline in MPOD with increasing age, indicating a gradual reduction over time.[17]
