Cedar Bluff, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/11/2015 -- Envision Eye Care, a local Marion, VA ete care practice, proudly unveiled, this week, its latest technological advance in caring for the eye health of its patients, the Quantifeye MPOD test. In explaining some of the basics of the test and what it means, Dr. Susan Keene of Envision Eye Care says, "The MP in 'MPOD' stands for macular pigment, which is a yellow colored spot found in the area of the retina responsible for your central and detail vision, known as the macula. Made up of two very unique substances called lutein and zeaxanthin, macular pigment acts as a sort of 'internal sunglasses,' playing an extremely important part when it comes to protecting the macula from the harmful effects of blue light, which comes largely from electronics such as smart phone, television and computer screens. It also helps to maintain the function of the macula."

The thickness, or density, of a person's macular pigment can vary in each and every person, and has even been known to change over time in the same person depending on factors like age and dietary choices. Dr. Keene further comments, "Many clinical trials and studies have focused on measuring the macular pigment and have researched how macular pigment thickness may be connected to one's risk of developing age related macular degeneration. Many of these trials seem to indicate that a low macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is a key risk factor for macular degeneration. Conversely, a high macular pigment optical density seems not only to reduce one's risk for macular degeneration, but may also help to improve visual performance." Better contrast sensitivity, improved visual acuity and reduced glare seem to be benefits that are linked to a high MPOD.

Dr. Keene explains, "Several different instruments have been used in various clinical trials to measure MPOD, with varying levels of success and accuracy. Recently, these trials have proven the effectiveness and accuracy of one such device, QuantifEye, which is the first of its kind to bring this increasingly important test to the public."

For information about this incredible new technology and the importance of MPOD, contact Dr. Susan Keene at Envision Eye Care today.