Derickson Vision Consultants

QuantifEYE

Age-Related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a sight threatening disease caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina known as the macula.  Because AMD is so debilitating, it is important to know what puts you at risk.  A risk factor for developing AMD is low Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD).

There is now a device called QuantifEYE that measures MPOD, the relative health of your macula.  The macula is the sight-sensing center in the back of the eye. Two major components of the tissue are the carotenoid pigments Zeaxanthin and Lutein. On the surface, one’s macula may appear healthy. However, if the levels of the carotenoid pigments are low, this may predispose one to developing AMD. By measuring MPOD, we can now identify at risk patients. Low MPOD is a modifiable risk factor for the development of AMD. Risk reduction can begin now, even if you are in your twenties. 

Supplementation with the proper amounts of Zeaxanthin and Lutein has been shown to increase MPOD. In fact, 94% of patients will show increased MPOD after six months of supplementation. Raising one’s macular pigment levels now may prevent the onset of the disease in the future.

Our office is excited to be able to offer this potentially sight saving technology to our patients.

 

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