Why Test MPOD?

What is MPOD?

Good news! We can measure your macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in our office! This is just one metric in many tests to assess your eye health, but we have seen a high correlation between poor diet/health and low MPOD scores.

from Eyepromise:

Unfortunately, 78% of the general population in the U.S. has an unhealthy, or sub-optimal, macular pigment density. The density of macular pigment affects visual function, including:

• Visual acuity
• Contrast sensitivity
• Photophobia
• Glare recovery
• Vision in an open area and how far one can see in hazy conditions
• Ability to see while driving at night

It also determines a patient’s risk of developing age-related eye health issues. To support a healthy macular pigment optical density (MPOD), patients must have the proper amounts of zeaxanthin and lutein. Because the body does not make these antioxidants on its own, they must be ingested. Lutein is commonly found in leafy greens, while brightly colored vegetables like corn and peppers contain zeaxanthin. It can be difficult to get the amounts of these retinal carotenoids to support MPOD in a regular diet.

MPOD as a Biomarker

Low MPOD can indicate several other eye health issues besides an increased risk of blue light damage. MPOD can act as a biomarker for problems like age-related eye health, retinal blood vessel health, and more. John Herman, OD, FAAO, believes that testing MPOD is “a very valuable, if not critical, clinical tool for not only detecting low levels of macular pigment density, and is essential in identifying the population at risk for many different health concerns, as well as giving the clinician the ability to follow the progress of treatment plans.”