With the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day, a few things are guaranteed:

• We will all search for any green clothing in our closets to avoid being pinched throughout the day.
• We will be inundated, both in person and on social media, with proclamations that declare, “I’m IRISH!” Doesn’t everyone suddenly become Irish in Mid-March?
• Discussing MPOD scores probably won’t hit most of our Top 5 lists for discussions on this day.

Since the first two are locked in as certainties, let’s take a closer look at number 3.

Why Discuss MPOD On St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is actually a PERFECT day to discuss Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) scores. To be more specific, this can add a quick and easy segue to the discussion of risk factors for age-related eye health. Although there is a plethora of dark-haired and dark-eyed Irishmen and Irishwomen, the stereotypical person of Irish decent is light-skinned, light hair color, with blue or green eyes. So, with every proud “Kiss me I’m Irish” shirt you’re faced with that day, bring up the subject of risk factors for this detrimental eye health concern.

MPOD Measurement: A Crystal Ball

I say this somewhat jokingly and with sweeping generalities into typical Irish appearance but with a serious slant. The numbers we receive of our patients' MPOD scores give us a measurable and clinical look at the macular health of our patients. In true St. Patty’s day fashion, optometrists from past generations would be green with envy with the crystal ball we’ve been handed with this MPOD technology. They were forced to wait for macular changes and then deliver the bad news. We can predict and help avoid damage. How lucky are we? That being said, even with this early detection system, we can’t ignore those that are testing in the normal ranges but are flush with visible risk factors.

Using Your Eyes As Screening Tools

With electronic health records, our visual attention has been turned from our patients to our screens. I acknowledge the advantages that come with EHR but I do think that without conscious effort, we are in danger of neglecting one of our most critical clinical care procedures: simple observation. Whereas I began MPOD testing in my practice on my over-40 population, I’ve since extended the testing parameters. Those with light hair, eyes, and skin are tested earlier. Even those with dark hair, eyes, and skin but with a strong family history of age-related eye health issues are now tested much younger. I am always surprised that most of these patients don’t know they are at higher risk for developing these issues.

So, March 17^th and every day on, let’s turn our attention back to our patients and away from our screens. Let’s look at them and assess the risk factors they aren’t even aware of and then educate them so they understand the importance of what we’re doing. This way, more than just Irish eyes will be smiling.

Dr. Susan Lake is a native of Nebraska and a graduate of the University of Nebraska. She completed her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College in Memphis. She is Board Certified in Vision Development and Vision Therapy and has a strong pediatric emphasis to her practice. She speaks frequently to parent and professional groups, sharing with them the importance of early recognition of vision problems. In her spare time, she reads and contributes to her own blog discussing being a working Optometrist and Mom at Babyfocals.com. She and her husband share three Optometry practices and three daughters and they can all usually be found on a lake, in a boat and waterskiing.