Macuscope™ Macular Pigment Low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of Macular Degeneration. These are two of the three carotenoids which comprise the macular protective pigment. The third carotenoid, meso-zeaxanthin, is not a part of our diet. It is created in the center of the macula from lutein, but may be deficient due to an inability to produce it. Studies using autopsy eyes, as well as studies of Macular Degeneration subjects, point to an increased risk when a person's macular protective pigment level is low. There are reasons why these associations might be expected. The macular protective pigment is only accumulated in photoreceptor axons of the central macula. They screen the vulnerable tissue below from the damaging effects of high energy blue light. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are also potent antioxidants, which may be their primary function in photoreceptor outer segments. Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry The MacuScope™ is a "heterochromatic flicker photometer" - the gold standard for measuring macular protective pigment density (MPPD). Through a brief test, it provides the optical density (absorbance) of the patient's macular protective pigment, a quantity that is proportional to the pigment concentration. Those whose dietary intake of green leafy vegetables is poor or non-existent invariably score low, whereas those with a high intake, including vegetarians, are higher. What You Can Do For Low MPPD Patients: Once it is determined that a person's macular protective pigment level is low, carotenoid supplements should be recommended. Ideal supplements should include lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Numerous clinical studies have been conducted in which subjects with low macular protective pigment levels were given carotenoid supplements and monitored using a research version of the MacuScope™. Almost invariably, the subjects responded with macular protective pigment increases of up to 40%, in as little as 6 months. MacuScope Features The first commercially available instrument that accurately measures Macular Protective Pigment Density (MPPD) The proven standard methodology for measuring MPPD Validated by researchers worldwide For use by all primary eye care professionals Non-invasive, Painless, Safe and Effective Takes approximately 2-3 minutes per patient Cost-effective Practice-building, referral generating Five Simple Steps: A small test stimulus alternates between a measuring wavelength (460nm) that is absorbed by MP, and a reference wavelength not absorbed by the pigments (550nm) This stimulus is presented in the fovea and parafovea The patient views this alternating stimulus as a small flickering light The technician controls the intensity of the measuring light and the patient communicates when the flicker is at a minimum Patients are categorized as high, average or low MPPD
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