Impact of eating habits on macular pathology assessed by macular pigment optical density measure

INTRODUCTION: Low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in blood or food are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These molecules, provided by food, form the macular pigment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients included in this pilot study where categorized into four groups : (1) or = 50 years without drusen, (3) > or = 50 years with drusen, and (4) > or = 50 years with drusen and neovascularization. During consultation, macular pigment optical density was measured and information on pathology and eating habits were collected.

RESULTS: Assessment of macular pigment optical density considering eating habits and groups showed that it was lower in group 1 patients when they ate less than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day and less than two portions of cabbage, broccoli, pepper, corn, or spinach a week. In groups 3 and 4, food supplement intake was related to an increase in optical density. Food supplements were consumed by 58.5 % of patients in group 4.

CONCLUSION: Analysis of mean optical density measured by the MPS 9000 QuantifEYE considering eating habits confirmed the impact of food supplement intake on optical density, especially in patients > or = 50 years with drusen and with or without neovascularization.