MacPI - Macular Pigment Optical Density Measurement

MacPI is an objective screening tool that may be used to identify people at risk of going blind in later life. We have developed a unique instrument for non-mydriatic diagnostic measurement of the macular pigment optical density (MPOD). The instrument and its advanced control software perform measurements of MPOD with the patient in an ergonomic position, and then advanced image processing algorithms are used to extract the patient's MPOD profile.

To learn more about the technology of MacPI, please click here.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western World. AMD is a progressive incurable disease which destroys the important macular area of the retina. This results in a loss of central, high resolution colour vision. The disease primarily affects subjects over 50 years of age. The macular pigment is a yellow substance located in this macular region of the retina. The measurement of the optical density of this pigment may be used to evaluate a patients’ risk of developing AMD in later life.

Due to the pigment’s characteristics (it absorbs damaging blue light and is an efficient scavenger of free radicals) it is believed that the pigment plays a protective role in the vital macular region of the retina. MacPI is an objective screening tool which measures rapidly, consistently and comfortably the macular pigment optical density and consequently may be used to identify a subject at risk of going blind in later life. If such a subject is identified various lifestyle modifications and/or supplementation can be advised in order to boost their pigment level and thus lower their risk of developing AMD.

More Information

To learn more about MacPI, please see our flyer (PDF).

Click here to read about MacPI featured in the media.

To see Dr. Andrew O'Brien's thesis on the original MacPI device, click here.