United States researchers have found melatonin use is associated with a decreased risk of development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The study authors said although lifestyle factors may have influenced this association, these findings provide a rationale for further research on the efficacy of using melatonin as a preventive therapy against AMD.
The researchers, from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Cole Eye Institute, examined data of more than 200,000 people, some at an early stage of the disease and some without age-related eyesight issues.
Melatonin as a supplement is commonly used for sleep disorders such as insomnia or jet lag.
… findings provide a rationale for further research on the efficacy of using melatonin as a preventive therapy against AMD.
According to the study, melatonin also has been shown to block several processes known to mediate AMD. It is not known whether melatonin can confer benefits against AMD.
“These findings provide a rationale for expanding clinical research on the potential therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in preventing AMD development or its progression,” the researchers wrote.
The study was published in JAMA Ophthalmology.1
Reference
- Jeong, H., Shaia, J.K., Singh, R.P., Melatonin and risk of age-related macular degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online June 06, 2024. DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1822.
