Technology
Mapcat SF
The Mapcat SF is a new device that measures the level of macular pigment at the back of the eye (also called Macular Pigment Optical Density or MPOD).
Macular pigment (a yellow-colored protective layer found in the central part of the retina) is responsible for protecting the macula against damage caused by waste products that build up in the eye, and against the damaging effects of short wavelength light (‘high energy visible’ or blue light). The Mapcat SF test can be performed as part of the cataract surgery pre-operative assessment. After surgery, MPOD can be monitored over time as part of the patient’s post-operative care.
Stephenson Eye Associates is proud to introduce the Mapcat SF into our diagnostic portfolio. Invented by Professor Richard Bone at Florida International University, the Mapcat SF is the first device to use a ‘single fixation’ measurement technique (making it much easier for the patient to perform than other tests), and the ability to measure the density of the patient’s lens as well as the density of the macular pigment.
With the Mapcat SF, it is possible to accurately measure the Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) before cataract surgery, and compare this baseline measurement at follow up to monitor the MPOD after surgery. If it is low, rebuilding and maintaining the macular pigment serves to protect the eye from the inside (in the same way that wearing sunglasses protects from the outside).
In addition to being a modifiable risk factor for Age-related Macular Degeneration, and a biomarker for several other diseases (including cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s), the macular pigment also plays an important role in vision performance. Because of the way it is focused as it passes through the eye, shorter wavelength light (blue light) can decrease contrast, and increase halos and glare (for instance when driving at night). Macular pigment filters blue light, which can reduce these negative effects.
Increasing macular pigment levels has been proven to reduce the risk of disease progression, and also to increase vision performance (contrast sensitivity, glare disability, photostress recovery). We are delighted to be able to offer this additional service to our patients here at Stephenson Eye Associates.
ORA System™ Technology
ORA System™Technology is a sophisticated device used to provide real time measurements of the patient’s eye–during cataract surgery, not possible with today’s conventional instruments. At any point, the surgeon can easily take a measurement, which is then analyzed by ORA System™Technology to provide specific information used to optimize decision-making in correcting the vision of that eye. Prior to the ORA System™, surgeons were unable to assess the quality of vision during the procedure, and would often have to wait until weeks after the surgery to determine the accuracy of the surgical results.
Lensar With Streamline
The addition of the Streamline technology reduces procedure time as well as improves on the already high level of laser precision. Another extremely exciting feature of the state of the art Streamline laser technology is that during the same laser procedure we can now take care of your cataract and also set the laser to automatically correct your astigmatism.
