Macular pigment testing is a specialized procedure used to measure the density of the macular pigment in the eye. This pigment, located in the macula—the central part of the retina—is crucial for protecting the eyes against harmful blue light and maintaining sharp, detailed central vision. Low macular pigment density can be a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The test is simple, non-invasive, and provides valuable information about the health of the macula. It involves looking into a device that measures the eye’s response to different light stimuli. Knowing the density of the macular pigment can help in recommending dietary or lifestyle changes, like increasing intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to enhance macular health.