Journal publication
VARIATION OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY (MPOD) WITH BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) IN YOUNG ADULTS.
Abstract
Introduction :
Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) plays a crucial role in protecting the retina from oxidative stress and damage induced by blue light. Recent studies suggest that body fat composition may influence macular pigment levels, as carotenoids are lipid-soluble and may be sequestered in adipose tissue. However, limited data are available on the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and MPOD among young adults in Sri Lanka.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index and Macular Pigment Optical Density among adults aged 20–30 years.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 participants aged 20-30 years in Sri Lanka. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. MPOD measurements were obtained for both eyes using a standardized MPOD assessment method. Participants were categorized based on BMI, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between BMI and MPOD values.
Results:
The mean age of participants was approximately 25 years. MPOD values demonstrated a decreasing trend with increasing BMI. Participants with normal BMI showed higher MPOD levels compared to overweight and obese participants. An inverse relationship between BMI and MPOD was observed, indicating that higher BMI was associated with lower macular pigment density.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates a significant inverse association between Body Mass Index and Macular Pigment Optical Density among young adults. Increased BMI may contribute to reduced retinal protective pigment levels, potentially increasing vulnerability to retinal damage. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight for optimal retinal health and may have implications for preventive eye care and nutritional counseling in optometric practice.
Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) plays a crucial role in protecting the retina from oxidative stress and damage induced by blue light. Recent studies suggest that body fat composition may influence macular pigment levels, as carotenoids are lipid-soluble and may be sequestered in adipose tissue. However, limited data are available on the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and MPOD among young adults in Sri Lanka.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index and Macular Pigment Optical Density among adults aged 20–30 years.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 participants aged 20-30 years in Sri Lanka. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI. MPOD measurements were obtained for both eyes using a standardized MPOD assessment method. Participants were categorized based on BMI, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between BMI and MPOD values.
Results:
The mean age of participants was approximately 25 years. MPOD values demonstrated a decreasing trend with increasing BMI. Participants with normal BMI showed higher MPOD levels compared to overweight and obese participants. An inverse relationship between BMI and MPOD was observed, indicating that higher BMI was associated with lower macular pigment density.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates a significant inverse association between Body Mass Index and Macular Pigment Optical Density among young adults. Increased BMI may contribute to reduced retinal protective pigment levels, potentially increasing vulnerability to retinal damage. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight for optimal retinal health and may have implications for preventive eye care and nutritional counseling in optometric practice.