Survey

Researchers at The University of Manchester, UK have been investigating the role of the Macular Pigment and its relation to ARMD for many years.  It is suspected that a low level of macular pigment increases the chance of suffering Macular Degeneration in later life therefore some easy method of assessing levels of macular pigment in an individual, and hence their risk, is well worthwhile.
Link to recent publications

Based on their free view Portable Spectral Sensitivity Instrument, FOSSE, ( Perception 19, 359, 1990) they developed a simple technique to assess macular pigment density.

Further research has led to the development of a completely new instrument designed specifically to measure levels of macular pigment in the eye and eliminate the major problems encountered with conventional HFP techniques. For more detailed information have a look at the article in the Optician, Jan 2008. This article not only describes the M|POD^® basics but shows just how accurate and repeatable the data are. In this case an at risk subject with very low MPOD virtually doubled his levels by taking a supplement.

It is  a compact low cost instrument, which is very easy to use particularly for the patient.  It can be used for serious research and large scale clinical trials as well as more widespread use in Optometric Practice and Pharmaceutical Outlets where it requires minimal operator intervention and many subjects are able to carry out the test totally unaided in only a few minutes. 

In a recent research study Patients, with early stage ARMD in only one eye, together with age-matched none-affected subjects, were given a lutein supplement, which is known to be a vital element in supporting the macular pigment.  The findings indicated that all reacted positively, and macular pigment density increased. Some individuals reacted quickly whilst others seemed to take up to six months before the macular pigment density increased.  

In a recent follow up major study preliminary results show that subjects with early stage ARMD who took a lutein supplement not only showed improvements in their vision but also progression of macular degeneration was significantly slowed.
The unit, known in the UK as the Tinsley M|POD^® (Macular Pigment Optical Densitometer) and in the USA as QuantifEYE^® has been developed to the stage where it can be incorporated, not only into standard optometric eye examinations, but more widespread in, for example, pharmaceutical outlets.  

Note for Optometrists

Listen to a recent (2010) Optometric Quarterly interview regarding the M|POD
Following from OQ's feature on the Macuscope (OQ62 track 1) there is now a followup feature on the M|POD.  You can listen to the interview by following the link to DOCETs Distance learning projects OQ73 track1.  Also this revue (OQ73 track 4) contains an evaluation report on the Macuscope based on a recent paper by Hannah Bartlett of Aston University.