Introduction to the relationship between Macular Pigment and Glare.
Here is an introduction on the role macular pigment can play in improving visual performance under glare conditions. Be sure to keep checking back to the website for when a fully integrated 'Glare' section will be launched.
Scientific research has shown that another positive effect of increasing one's macular pigment is that it can facilitate in decreasing an individual's sensitivity to glare and also decrease their recovery time when blinded by glare.
Key Research Results:
- A study published in ‘Optometry and Vision Science’ by James M. Stringham PhD and Billy R. Hammond PhD, concluded that macular pigment is strongly related to improvements in glare disability and photostress recovery in a manner strongly consistent with its spectral absorption and spatial profile 1.
- Another study has found that central visual function, including BCVA (Best Corrected Visual Acuity) and contrast sensitivity, were also positively associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density 2.
- Also, a scientific study published in the peer reviewed IOVS journal (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science), found that higher macular pigment optical densities resulted in faster photostress recovery times, lower ‘disability glare contrast thresholds’ and lower visual discomfort 3.
Other research suggests:
- Increasing ones macular pigment can also reduce the effects of glare and improve overall visual acuity.
- There is a strong relationship between the macular pigment density in a person's eye and their resistance to the effects of glare.
- Increasing ones macular pigment density can decrease a person's sensitivity to glare and also decrease their recovery time when blinded by glare.
This is an important factor for people who suffer from glare whilst driving at night:
Illustration of filtered out glare from oncoming car headlights whilst night time driving
It is estimated that after increasing macular pigment density, a person can recover, on average, 5 seconds quicker, when blinded by glare. This equates to 135 metres when travelling at 60 miles per hour - an ample distance to avoid an accident.
It is clear to see that the scientific research suggests a very positive relationship between macular pigment and improving visual acuity when enountering glare conditions. If you would like any more information on this area of scientific research please do not hesitate to contact us.
Also, remember to keep cheeking back for all the latest news regarding MacuShield, glare and other scientific / clincial research.
Trust the Science,
MacuShield Team.
References:
1. Stringham. M. J., Hammond. B. R. (2008). Macular Pigment and Visual Performance Under Glare Conditions. Optometry and Vision Science. Vol 85, 2, p.82-88.
2. Loughman, J., Nolan. M. J., et al (2010). The relationship between macular pigment and visual performance. Vision Research. Vol 50, p. 1249-1256.
3. Stringham, M. J., Garcia, P. V., et al (2011). Macular Pigment and Visual Performance in Glare: Benefits for Photostress Recovery, Disability Glare, and Visual Discomfort.
4. Renzi L. et. al. Reduction of surround suppression and enhancement of discriminability by macular pigment. Invest. Ophthalmology Vision Science 2009;46:E-abstract 1703
5. Kvansakul J et. al. Supplementation with the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin improves human visual performance. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2006;26:362-71
6. Wooten BR et. al. Macular pigment: influences on visual acuity and visability. Progr Ret Eye Res 2002;21:225-40.
NB: Images used are for illustration purposes only.