OVERVIEW
Blue light can enter the eye and negatively impact the visual cells responsible for central and peripheral vision. However, healthy macular pigment acts as “internal sunglasses” to protect against harmful blue light.
Macular pigment is comprised of Zeaxanthin and Lutein, which are found in the center of the macula (fovea) at a natural 2:1 ratio. Healthy macular pigment acts as “internal sunglasses” blocking harmful blue light from reaching the photoreceptors (cones and rods) which are responsible for central and peripheral vision, respectively.
A good analogy to macular pigment is sunscreen – it protects the skin from harmful rays, and macular pigment is made thicker or “restored” by replenishing the natural carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein.
However, the body does not produce Zeaxanthin or Lutein, so nutritional intake and supplementation are key in absorbing harmful blue light and maintaining healthy Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD). EyePromise macular health formulas are designed to increase macular pigment, providing vision protection and enhancement.
BLUE LIGHT CHARTS
Macular pigment acts like, “internal sunglasses” to protect the photoreceptors form harmful blue light. As indicated in the diagram below, low macular pigment (left side) allows as much as 100% of harmful blue light through to the photoreceptors. Healthy macular pigment (.50 – 1.00 on the right side) significantly blocks harmful blue light like a very effective pair of “internal sunglasses.”
The following chart was provided by Dr. John Herman who studied more than 500 subjects over a two-year period – the first and only study of its kind – and documented changes in patients’ MPOD (Macular Pigment Optical Density) following a healthy diet and regiment of 2 EyePromise Restore per day over a two-year period.
Whether patients had a lower or higher baseline, MPOD scores continued to rise significantly every 6 months, and MPOD was measured using the QuantifEye MPOD measurement instrument.
SOURCES OF BLUE LIGHT
Did you know that blue light comes from everyday sources, such as:
Learn more about protecting your patients’ photoreceptors from harmful blue light with EyePromise Restore, EyePromise Zeaxanthin, EyePromise Zeaxanthin + Lutein