Being able to measure macular pigment optical density (MPOD) offers a new option for an in-depth look at patients’ eye health. Paul S. Bernstein, along with a panel of experts in carotenoid physiology and macular pigment measurement, reviewed published literature and used their clinical experience to form an educated opinion on the value of MPOD measurement. They agreed that noninvasive macular pigment measurement is an important screening tool for:

• Establishing a baseline for nutritional therapy.
• Identifying patients susceptible to age-related eye health issues.
• Identifying those needing carotenoid supplementation to enhance visual function and performance.
• Identifying those with inadequate protection against blue light and free radical exposure to the photoreceptors and RPE.
• Monitoring patient compliance and nutritional therapy success.
• Evaluating overall eye health.

“Measuring MPOD is a very valuable, if not critical, clinical tool for not only detecting low levels of macular pigment density, and is essential in identifying the population at risk for age-related eye health, as well as giving the clinician the ability to follow the progress of treatment plans.” - John Herman, OD, FAAO

Patient Benefits of Measuring MPOD with the QuantifEye® MPS II

MPOD measurement is a proactive way to offer your patients the best medical care and value without discounting services and products. Macular pigment measurement can be used as a biomarker to measure risk for eye health concerns and visual function. Many eye doctors encourage the use of MPOD measurement as an indicator of age-related eye health issues and other severe vision concerns.

“Several studies have linked low MPOD to higher body weight, reduced visual function in those who are unable to regulate their blood glucose levels (reduced contrast, color discrimination and visual field sensitivity) and even severity of blood vessel constriction in the eyes. For this reason, I measure MPOD and remeasure response to nutritional supplementation in all my patients with and at risk for abnormal blood glucose levels.” - Paul Chous, OD, FAAO

This gives patients a sense of empowerment because you’re educating and helping them to be proactive rather than focusing on treatment.

“QuantifEye MPOD testing has allowed me to proactively identify patients at risk of [age-related eye health concerns] and create an excellent profit center in my practice. This type of technology is the key to practicing optometry in the present health care environment as it’s good for my patients and my practice!” - Jason Lake, OD

Conclusion

Knowing macular pigment density levels allows those with sub-optimal MPOD to take simple, safe, cost-effective measures to improve their vision and quality of life, before the damage becomes irreversible. As science and research expand, the relationship between MPOD values and eye health will become clearer. Ideally, this clarification will lead to greater identification of individuals at risk for age-related eye health concerns, and the establishment of better ocular care protocols.

Go to our next post to learn about the practice benefits of MPOD measurement.