MPOD Testing – Macular Pigment Optical Density

At Buckeye Optometry, we offer a crucial eye health test called MPOD testing. But what does MPOD stand for, and why is it significant?

Macular pigment optical density testing is a valuable tool that can help optometrists evaluate a patient’s eye health and potential risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. The condition affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for our ability to see fine details and colors. As we age, the macula can become damaged, leading to the development of AMD.

The macula contains a yellow pigment called macular pigment, which helps to protect the retina from damage caused by blue light. Low levels of macular pigment are associated with an increased risk of developing AMD. By measuring a patient’s macular pigment optical density (MPOD), optometrists can determine if a patient has a healthy amount of macular pigment and if they are at risk for developing AMD.

The MPOD test is a simple and painless procedure that involves looking into a device that measures the density of macular pigment in the eye. The test takes only a few minutes to complete and can provide valuable information about a patient’s eye health.

The MPOD test is particularly useful for patients who are at risk for developing AMD. Risk factors for AMD include age, a family history of the condition, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. By identifying patients who are at risk for AMD early on, optometrists at Buckeye Optometry can recommend lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements that can help to slow or prevent the progression of the disease.

In addition to its use in identifying patients at risk for AMD, the MPOD test can also be useful in monitoring the progression of the disease in patients who have already been diagnosed with AMD. By tracking changes in a patient’s MPOD over time, optometrists can determine if the patient’s current treatment plan is effective and adjust as needed.

The MPOD test is a valuable tool that can help optometrists at Buckeye Optometry in Marion, OH, evaluate a patient’s risk for developing AMD and monitor the progression of the disease. By using this test in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and treatments, our eye doctors help patients maintain healthy vision and prevent the onset of vision-threatening conditions like AMD.