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  NUTRITION FOCUS

MAINTAINING MACULAR HEALTH

NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT CAN AID IN AMD MANAGEMENT

HAVING PRACTICED in a retirement community for more than 22 years, I have seen a great deal of change take place in the management of AMD. I started out feeling rather helpless as a new grad when a patient presented with AMD, not offering much more than an Amsler Grid.

Today, management of patients with AMD has turned into one of the most gratifying aspects of my practice. Through the advancement of science and technology, I can now assess risk of disease progression, implement in-office and at-home patient monitoring programs and, perhaps most importantly, counsel patients, as well as their families, on disease prevention. The cornerstone of the program I prescribe for those with AMD and those at risk with ‘pre-AMD’ is MacuHealth with LMZ³.

OVERVIEW

MacuHealth with LMZ³, from MacuHealth LLC, is a nutritional supplement containing three carotenoids — lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin — which make up the macular pigment. To review, the role of the macular pigment is twofold: First, it filters short wavelength blue light pre-receptorally to sharpen vision; second, it protects against light-induced oxidative damage (particularly blue light) in the outer retina, which has been linked to the pathogenesis of AMD.

Many patients with AMD and those who are at risk for the disease have a low macular pigment optical density (MPOD). MacuHealth with LMZ³ supplementation can increase macular pigment accumulation across the entire spatial profile of the macula.

PRESCRIBING TO PATIENTS

As mentioned, patients with low MPOD are ideal candidates for MacuHealth. At my practice, I have measured MPOD for the past several years. I find that with a little explanation, many patients are willing to pay a small fee for this service. Patients who test low are prescribed MacuHealth to help raise their MPOD. In my experience, many patients are compliant with the recommendations, and are encouraged to continue when success is demonstrated at follow-up testing.

MARKETING

To spread the word about MacuHealth, we provide an AMD awareness/prevention display containing information and brochures on MacuHealth in our waiting area. This helps to initiate the conversations outlined above with patients. In addition, we have an icon on the homepage of our website for ordering.

PRACTICE BENEFITS

Building an AMD prevention/management and visual enhancement component into our practice has been extremely rewarding, both professionally and financially. In terms of ROI, I have found that taking the time to explain the benefits of MacuHealth with my patients is a real practice builder. Though I emphasize to patients that high-quality supplements can be obtained directly from the manufacturer, most prefer to purchase from us. The ROI per bottle is substantial, and the small amount of time it takes to educate my patients is easily justified. We have had many referrals of family members and friends specifically to determine whether they should also be taking the supplement.

ENHANCING VISION

As an eye care provider, I strive to provide more than just vision correction or detection and treatment; I also provide my patients with advice on enhancing vision and long-term ocular wellness. I use a wall diagram to show patients how maintaining a healthy macular pigment achieves both objectives. Why not consider incorporating MacuHealth with LMZ³ into your practice, too? OM

GARY MORGAN, O.D., practices in Arizona with a special emphasis on AMD management. Owner of Blue Light Consulting LLC, he provides continuing education and incorporates into clinical practice methods to combat the effects of blue light. He is an advisory board member of Arctic DX - Macula Risk, Signet Armorlite and Eye Solutions Technologies and a consultant to MacuHealth, among others. Visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment to comment.