Macular Pigment Research Group

The mission of the Macular Pigment Research Group is to study the role of eye nutrition for vision and prevention of blindness.

Background

The Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG) is based in Carriganore House, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. This unique research facility offers state-of-the-art vision testing laboratories and infrastructure. In addition, we have a high quality biochemical laboratory, which allows us to conduct clinical trials to the highest possible standard.

MPRG Vision Research Centre	Vision Laboratory 1

The focus of our research concerns naturally occurring plant pigments known as carotenoids. Carotenoids play important roles throughout the body, but three particular carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin) are found at the back of the eye (the macula) where they are collectively known as macular pigment.

Macular pigment is of dietary origin, i.e. we are not born with macular pigment but we accumulate it from eating certain fruits and vegetables. Dietary sources of macular pigment include leafy greens such as curly kale and spinach, and coloured fruits and vegetables such as sweetcorn, peppers, red grapes and oranges. Hen eggs are another enriched source of macular pigment. Of late, dietary supplements are recommended to enrich macular pigment. The carotenoids in these supplements are naturally derived from the marigold flower.

Location of macular pigment at the back of the eye

Macular pigment is yellow in colour, and therefore absorbs damaging blue light. It is also a powerful antioxidant which protects the eye against harmful free radicals. Because of these unique functions, macular pigment is believed to be important for vision and prevention of age-related blindness. The MPRG has a specific interest in understanding the potential for nutrition to prevent against age-related blindness.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 50 years of age, affecting an estimated 80,000 people in the Republic of Ireland, 500,000 people in the UK and over 12 million sufferers across Europe. This eye disease is particularly frustrating because it results in a loss of central vision. In other words, someone with AMD can see everything except what he or she is looking at, and is therefore unable to read, watch TV, drive, or recognise a loved one’s face. There is currently an epidemic of AMD, and the number of AMD sufferers will continue to increase because of the growing and ageing population.