Issue link: https://optometricmanagementsupplements.epubxp.com/i/571093
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 • O P T O M E T R I C M A N A G E M E N T . C O M S 13 ferentiate, characterization and identifcation of these struc- tural isomers have been possible for many years. Te ability to diferentiate enantiomers such as zeaxanthin and meso- zeaxanthin has required complex analysis with high per- formance liquid chromatography. Te analytic complexity precluded identifcation of meso-zeaxanthin from our food supply and several meso-zeaxanthin-free carotenoid supple- ments from identifying meso-zeaxanthin in their formula- tion. 18,19 Recent advancement in HPLC analysis identifed meso-zeaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin (MZL) to be the predominant constituents in the macular pigment with me- so-zeaxanthin being the predominant isomer/enantiomer in the fovea and parafoveal region. 20,21 Armed with this new information, enhancing macular pigment with all carotenoid isoforms has been found to be the most promising means of preventing macular degen- eration and enhancing macular performance. 22 Absorption, upregulation of macular pigment, prevention of macular de- generation and enhancement of visual function have been accomplished with the consumption of the MacuHealth® with LMZ 3 formulation consisting of meso-zeaxanthin, lu- tein and zeaxanthin (LMZ 3 ). 20,23 Studies over the last decade have shown that all three carotenoids are required to up- regulate macular pigment especially in the central fovea. 24,25 Te MacuHealth formula has reduced progression of macu- lar degeneration and anecdotally has been able to reverse exudative macular degeneration and enhance the efcacy of anti-VEGF therapies in macular degeneration. 22 Te discovery of MZL as the substance that make macu- lar pigment and subsequent research has provided us with the critical nutrients for macular health and function. Un- like anti-VEGF therapies now, which took a decade to move from discovery to clinical use, we now have available to our patients a supplement that can be used to enhance their vi- sual performance and attenuate macular degeneration. Armed with MacuHealth, we can maintain youthful vi- sion and delay the need for intraocular injections while still preventing visual loss from AMD. 26,27 Te components of MacuHealth have also been found to be non toxic. 28,29 MacuHealth, in summary, is the critical ocular nutrient that must be provided to patients who desire maintenance of vision and prevention of age-related visual loss Te recent understanding that macular pigment blocks high energy visible light or blue light, has also led research- ers to understand the macular toxicity of blue light. 30 Blue light is the only wavelength of visible light that causes photo-oxidation. Increased free radical production from blue light-exposed lipofusion, a toxic metabolite of vision, incriminates blue light as a central player in the pathogen- esis of AMD. 31 By absorbing blue light with MacuHealth- enhanced macular pigment and melanin pigment impreg- nated lenses, we can provide our patients both internal and external macular protection and attenuate the pathophysi- ology that leads to macular degeneration. Tis combination will provide true protection against progression of macular disease. An added advantage to both internal and external pro- tection against blue light is enhancement of visual perfor- mance when blue light is fltered and absorbed. Te block- age of blue light with glasses helps video gamers perceive sharpened high-defnition images when using blue light emitting video game screens. 32 Coincidentally, sharpened vision with blue fltering glasses is also protective against the electronic assault from LED and high-defnition com- puter, television and smart device screens. Te proliferation of blue light emitting devices com- bined with the extensive exposure of our children to these sources of blue light without protection will produce an epidemic of macular degeneration and other health prob- lems such as sleep deprivation, cancer, obesity, hyperten- sion and diabetes. 33 Te proliferation of blue light emit- ting devices is analogous to the proliferation of cigarettes, high fructose corn syrup and trans fatty acids decades ago. While many scientists understood the public health tragedy that would ensue, many people died before soci- ety and the government acknowledged the toxic nature of smoking and unnatural food additives. As eye professionals, we must sound the alarm to the medical community that our exposure to these devices must be accompanied by protection. We must enhance our internal protection, by taking MacuHealth. We must reduce our exposure to these devices or protect our macu- las from exposure using blue light absorbing pigment im- pregnated lens such as True Blue Lenses. 34 Te future is now, and we can save sight and lives with what we do and prescribe to our patients today FOR REFERENCES, VISIT: ht t p: //macuhealt h.com/eye-pr of essionals/scient ific-ar t icles/t olent ino OPTOME TRIC MANAGEMENT CORPORATE PROFILE Drusenoid and PED Resolved after 7 Months on MacuHealth with LMZ 3 S P O N S O R E D B Y M A C U H E A L T H