Clinical data collected from 1.5 million patients is used to support its unique ‘centre only’ screening mode that overcomes the difficulty inherent in other approaches.
AMD is the loss of vision in the centre of the eye and is caused by high-energy, blue light from the sundamaging the retinal protective shield, or macula, over time. The MPS II measures the density of the yellowpigment within the macula that has an important role in absorbing the blue light.
Jaquie Finn, Product Line Manager at Elektron Technology, explains that data amassed over the last five yearshas been used to develop the fastest and most accurate macular pigment screening test on the market.
“Traditionally, macular pigment screening uses heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) to compare thethickness of the pigment in the macula with a peripheral measurement where there is no pigment. This lattertest can be difficult for the patient to perform and can result in unreliable data."
Jaquie Finn explains that Elektron Technology is creating a consumer campaign that will launch in 2013, highlighting the benefits of screening and preventative care.
“Consumers in the Far East, particularly Japan and Taiwan, are well aware of the dangers of blue light fromcomputer screens and handheld devices, and sales of ‘yellow tinted’ fashion glasses are very high.“
"There is less awareness in the West but we expect that this will change with the results of AREDS2. With thelaunch of MPS II we are supporting the ophthalmic and optometric channel to get in position to be able todetect and advise those most at risk.”
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More details about MPSII are available from Jaquie Finn at Elektron Technology www.elektron-healthcare.com
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