Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in industrialized nations and the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. So the treatment, and more importantly the prevention, of macular degeneration is of utmost importance to patients and eye doctors alike.
The retina senses light and then sends signals to the brain via the optic nerve. The central area of the retina is the macula. The macula is responsible for our central, crisp, clear, color vision. (The peripheral retina is better at sensing movement and seeing in dim light). The reason macular disease can be so scary is, if you lose your central vision, you lose your ability to maneuver in your environment. Driving, reading and even television viewing can become difficult or impossible.
Up until recently, our testing of the macula was very reactive. We would watch the macula over time until one day when we found damage. Only then would we start treating. The problem with this reactive approach is that there is already damage. And the treatment is only to keep the problem from progressing; not to fix the existing damage.
The goal was to find a proactive test of macular function; a way to identify people at risk of macular degeneration before the damage occurs. Also, to start modifying their risk factors or treating to keep that patient from ever developing macular disease.
With our new MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) device, we can measure the protective pigment of the macula. With this measurement, we can tell you if you are at no risk, low risk or high risk of developing macular degeneration in the future. The test is non-invasive, quick, easy and reliable. You look at a circle and click a button when it starts to flicker or shimmer.
If you are at no risk, we tell you “good job” and to continue doing what you are doing.
If you are at low risk, we ask you to quit or decrease smoking, increase your intake of dark green, leafy vegetables, increase your intake of brightly colored vegetables and to be more consistent about wearing sunglasses.
If you are at high risk, there is a supplement that we can recommend. Restore by Zeavision is patented and unique among eye supplements. It has the same natural 2:1 ratio of zeaxanthin and lutein found in a healthy macula. It has the highest level of dietary zeaxanthin available. It is manufactured in the US from all-natural paprika. Zeavision offers a money back guarantee. If you consistently take their supplement for six months and do not have an increase in your mpod, they will refund your money.
The current thinking is that macular degeneration is becoming more common because the macula only uses two of the carotenoids. Zeaxanthin and lutein. Zeaxanthin is particularly difficult to get in our diet in sufficient quantities. Therefore, as we get older and we have had a deficit of these key nutrients, our macular pigment degenerates leading to macular degeneration.
So for the first time ever, we have a proactive measurement of macular health. And if you are at risk of macular degeneration, we can proactively treat your eyes to significantly decrease your risk of developing macular disease in the future.