The world's first fully portable low cost macular pigment screener
 Screening macular pigment levels is set to become an easy five minute process, thanks to new portable technology launched by Buchmann UK.
Take patient care to the next level with the Tinsley M|POD.
The Department of Optometry and Neuroscience at the University of Manchester, in partnership with British manufacturer Tinsley, has achieved a breakthrough in Macular Pigment Screening. The Tinsley M|POD is an easy to use device that allows optometrists to detect low levels of Macular Pigment which may lead to potential vision loss caused by Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Far smaller and easier to use than any other similar screening equipment, the M|POD makes affordable macular pigment screening available to every clinic and practitioner.
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 50 and its prevalence increases with age. There is a growing awareness of the disease, the need to measure the risk of getting it and how to take preventative action. As the UK population ages, the condition is expected to become more prevalent creating a heavy financial burden on healthcare services. 
The macula is the central and most sensitive part of the retina at the back of the eye and macular pigment acts as an antioxidant and protects the retina from the potentially damaging effects of blue light – if the density of this pigment is reduced then the retina is made more vulnerable and more likely to gradually deteriorate. By catching those with low levels of macular pigment, the M|POD makes it possible to reduce their risk of long-term vision loss.
People with macular degeneration experience severely distorted vision and find it very hard to read and recognise faces. Eventually the condition can lead to total blindness. The density of the macular pigment has been shown to be linked to diet and to other lifestyle factors, including smoking.
The scientifically proven technique for measuring the density of macular pigment, heterochromatic flicker photometry, has been available for over 30 years. The new Tinsley M|POD uses the same technology, but takes it onto the next stage by refining it and making it available in a more accessible package thanks to advances in LED lighting. The approach adopted by the M|POD is far easier for patients to use than earlier versions of the technology. Instead of, as in conventional methods, observers having to set the point where flicker disappears or is minimised, the measurement consists of a series of button presses by the user in response to the appearance of flicker which makes it far easier for the subject and for the Optometrist to determine accurately the flicker thresholds
ARMD was investigated by the BBC in its recent science series The Truth About Food, during a programme produced in collaboration with the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester and featuring one of the M|POD’s inventors Dr Ian Murray. The programme highlighted the growing prevalence of ARMD and showed that it is possible to increase the density of the macular pigment by following a spinach rich diet and tackling other lifestyle issues. Spinach, like many green vegetables contains high levels of lutein.
Visit the ARMD website for more detailed information on this devastating condition.
The Tinsley M|POD is sold exclusively by Buchmann UK and is not available from any other supplier. For further information or to book an early demonstration of this exciting new device please contact Buchmann UK on 01634 662300 or email
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 tinsley_mpod 04/12/2007,11:25 94.36 Kb
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