FAQ's...
Frequently Asked Questions About MPOD
Macular Pigment Optical Density
1. Who is at higher risk for age related macular degeneration (ARMD)?
ANS: Risk factors include being female, blonde, blue eyed, smoker, over 70 years old, low MPOD scores, poor nutrition, or have a family history of the disease.
2. Can an the eye test tell us what is happening in our brain?
ANS: University of Waterloo is currently researching the link between Alzheimer’s and eye changes. A 2nd UofW study is being conducted on Parkinson’s disease and the eye.
3. Is there a link between the eye, the brain and nutrition?
ANS: The eye’s nerve is an extension of the brain. New brain research suggests that lifestyle and diet changes need to start in your 40-50s to prevent signs of brain/nerve loss like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed in your 70-80s. (Dr. Bredeson “The End of Alzheimer’s”)
4. Do some diseases cause lower MPOD scores, like Diabetes, or like Bowel Issues?
ANS: Lower MPOD scores, and the associated risks, are common in patients with diabetes and bowel diseases. Chron’s disease, celiac and IBS patients have nutrient absorption problems.
5. Why is night driving more difficult than when I was younger?
ANS: Night driving problems ( “dark adaptation”) is the first hint that macular degeneration may be starting. The human body cannot make lutein & zeaxanthin; therefore, must be replenished in your diet.
6. Why do my eyes take a long time to recover after a bright flash of light?
ANS: Low MPOD means that the inside of your eyes are not protected from the glare, and it will take longer for your eyes to recover to pre-glare vision.
7. Does blue light from computers and phones really damage my eyes?
ANS: Blue light at night disrupts our sleep/awake cycles (circadian rhythm). Try “night shift” on your iPhone or “ f.lux” on your windows computer to help to protect your retina from blue light. Higher MPOD levels in your eye protect your retina like wearing internal sunglasses.
8. Are there some people who can’t eat a lot of green leafy veggies?
ANS: If you take coumadin (a blood thinner), you are recommended to limit green leafy vegetables since these contain Vitamin K that may increase clotting.
9. Do cholesterol medications affect MPOD results?
ANS: Statins take fats from your blood which are needed to absorb lutein and zeaxanthin. Have olive oil dressing on your salad, when taking your supplement at a meal.
10. What effect does smoking have on my eyes?
ANS: Smoking increases your risk for macular degeneration by 4-10x. Best to stop now.
11. Are fresh or cooked greens better for you?
ANS: Cooked greens make lutein easier to absorb but the heat causes loss of the vitamin C. Eat some of both daily!
12. I see fine, so I am sure my eyes are healthy, right?
ANS: Many “silent” eye diseases have NO signs visible to you, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, or even retinal holes and tears. Once vision is lost, it is likely not returning.
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