Association of macular pigment optical density with plasma macular carotenoids levels and serum lipids in South Indian healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration

<b>Purpose:</b> The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and plasma carotenoids [(L) and (Z)] and serum lipids in South Indian young healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). <b>Methods:</b> Two hundred and fourteen (<i>N</i> = 214) study participants (Healthy control group (<i>N</i>) = 178; Early AMD group (<i>N</i>) = 36) were enrolled after getting their written informed consent. The MPOD of the study participants was assessed using MPS II (Electron Technology, UK) after completing their routine ocular examination. Serum lipids were measured by the standard technique. Plasma levels of L, Z, lycopene and beta-carotene were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detector. <b>Statistical analysis used:</b> Correlations among variables in serum, plasma and the MPOD were established using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. <b>Results:</b> The overall mean MPOD in healthy control group and early AMD group were found to be 0.47 ± 0.16 (<i>N</i> = 178; 317 eyes) and 0.35 ± 0.22 (<i>N</i> = 36; 38 eyes) at 1° eccentricity respectively and were found to be statistically significant (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A strong positive association was found between plasma L, Z and L + Z and MPOD. Serum HDL showed a strong negative association with MPOD and other lipids showed a very weak association. MPOD was unaffected by body mass index. <b>Conclusions:</b> MPOD is positively associated with plasma L,Z and L + Z, adding further evidence that additional intake of L/Z may be beneficial in delaying the risk of AMD in our population.