M-Pod (Macular Pigment Optical Density)
M-Pod (Macular Pigment Optical Density)
The M-Pod machine measures the density of the pigment at the macular. The macular is the yellow spot found at the centre of the retina (fovea) and made up of two carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein (macular pigment), at a natural ratio 2:1. The macular pigment plays a critical role in protecting the macular from harmful blue light and helping the function of the macular.
Journey To A Clearer Future
Macular pigment density varies from person to person and changes with factors such as aging, lifestyle and dietary choices. The thickness of the macular pigment correlates to ones risk of developing macular degeneration and has critical functions:
- A low macular pigment optical density is a key risk factor for ARMD whilst a high macular pigment optical density reduces ones risk of ARMD,
- Macular pigment absorbs harmful blue light, protecting the photo-receptors from damage and but also help to Macular pigment improves visual performance including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity and glare recovery.
At Fiona Watt optometrists, we are able measure your macular pigment optical density using the MPOD machine. This can be used to:
- Identify any predisposing risk to ARMD. Our optometrist will give advice on dietary needs and taking additional eye supplements which are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
- monitoring the pigment density in those that are taking additional eye supplements (research has shown that the macular pigment optical density increased in those taking macular supplements)
Monitoring Macular Pigment Density
Scores used for MPOD range from 0 to 1.
- low MPOD range is of 0 to .21,
- mid MPOD range is .21 to .44 and
- high MPOD range is .45 to 1.0.