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Abstract
Yellow intraocular filters, such as the macular pigment (MP) of primates, are found throughout the natural world. A variety of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the prevalence of these filters, many regarding the advantages they may confer. One optical benefit is that under specific conditions MP and other filters will improve the contrast of visual targets from their background. Thus potentially enhancing important visual functions, including visual range and brightness perception. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess if individuals with higher densities of macular pigment (MPOD) can see farther in the distance, and perceive natural world scenes as brighter. A sample of young, visually healthy adults were recruited from the University of Georgia and assessed psychophysically on the previously described functions. MPOD was significantly and positively related to visual range, but not the perceived brightness of natural-world scenes.