Skin Carotenoid Scanner Adds Rapid Insight into the Nutritional Status of Your Eyes and Body
Mark W. Roark, OD, FAAO// Daniel J. Bollier, OD
Allisonville Eye CareCenter/Fishers Indiana
March 30, 2020
Allisonville Eye Care Center is pleased to announce the addition of new scanning technology that measures the antioxidant level of your eyes and body.
Photo by: (Composite skin carotenoid concentration is related to macular pigment volume: The Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner) Authors: Stephanie Byrne, Rachel Moran, Rebecca Power, John Nolan
HOW DOES THE SCANNER WORK?
We can now perform a rapid and repeatable 30-second scan of your hand that measures the carotenoid levels in your skin with a safe blue laser. Carotenoids, special nutrients found only in the diet, are essential for eye and body health. Importantly, new studies confirm that your Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) is strongly linked to the amount of Macular Pigment (MP) found in your eyes.
WHAT IS MACULAR PIGMENT (MP)?
MP is composed of only three carotenoids- lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin- that are excellent blue light filters and strong antioxidants. MP is essential for clear vision and to protect your macula, the tiny area in the center of your retina, from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)- the most common cause of vision loss in older adults. Research shows that the risk of AMD is over 80% less for those with the highest levels of MP compared to those with the lowest amounts!
HOW CAN I INCREASE MP?
MP should be enhanced as much as possible for everyone, but if you have a low SCS (<40,000) you are at greater risk. We recommend increasing your intake of foods that contain these healthy pigments, such as spinach, kale, and colored bell peppers. We also prescribe MacuHealth, a safe, daily softgel containing all three carotenoids and proven in multiple studies to enhance your pigment better than other supplements.
ARE THERE OTHER IMPLICATIONS OF A LOW SCS?
Your body may be constantly exposed to poor diet, stress, radiation, pollution, pesticides, etc., which elevate oxidative stress and lead to free radical formation. This may damage your DNA and heighten your risk of cancer and other diseases, so antioxidant protection is needed for your entire body- including your brain. Changes in lifestyle that incorporate a healthier diet along with daily MacuHealth, can increase your SCS and improve your long-term health.