The term macular pigment (MP) refers to the three ocular carotenoids Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin, of dietary origin. Several studies in the past three decades have shown that it has an important role in ocular health, acting as an optical filter attenuating blue light to avoid photochemical damage but also providing antioxidant protection to the retina by quenching free radicals. An individual with higher amount of this particular pigment, has higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD), and, assumingly, better protection. The importance of the macular pigment’s role in ocular health has been, further supported by evidence showing that it may help in the management against age related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading western world’s causes of irreversible blindness, with prevalence numbers increasing due to the ageing of the population. Currently, there is only a small number of commercial instruments that can provide an MPOD measurement; these devices have proven to be impractical for wide clinical use. Therefore, despite its clinical relevance, MPOD assessment has not become part of the standard eye examination. Within this project, we have developed and validated a new optical instrument that is set to make MPOD measurement easier and more accessible, facilitating, in this way, routine assessment of MPOD and earlier detection of low MPOD levels. We have improved the procedure and obtained data in several groups of subjects. In parallel, we explored the potential market and were in contact with several companies to licence this technology.
