Heres what experts say about the potential untapped role of melatonin for eye health.
What Is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common progressive eye disease people can get as they get older.
Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images
It blurs yourcentral vision, which can make it harder to read, drive, and tell objects apart.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 65 and older.
AMD can be either dry or wet.
It typically progresses slowly.
The early and intermediate stages of AMD dont have any symptoms.
It was also shown to reduce the risk of central vision loss by 19%, said Leng.
How Can Melatonin Protect Against AMD?
Is Taking Melatonin Long Term Safe?
As always, its best to talk to your provider about any supplements or vitamins youre thinking about taking.
Healio.Melatonin use associated with lower risk for AMD development, progression in older adults.
2024;142(7):648-654. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1822
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About age-related macular degeneration.
National Eye Institute.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Age-related macular degeneration.
National Eye Institute.AREDS/AREDS2 clinical trials.
2022;14:888292. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.888292
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Melatonin: what you should probably know.