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In Brief | Ophthalmology
Melatonin may reduce the risk of age-related Macular Degeneration
Time to read: 01:18
Originally Published: 6 June 2024
Sourced: JAMA Ophthalmology
Type of article: In Brief
MedED Catalogue Reference: MP0B010
Category: Ophthalmology
Cross Reference: Gerontology
Keywords: AMD, WAMD, Melatonin, retinal eye disease
Originally published in JAMA Ophthalmology, 6 June 2024. This summary does not represent the original research, nor is it intended to replace the original research. Content Disclaimer
In the retrospective cohort study, researchers analysed electronic medical records from the TriNetX database. They included patients aged 50 years or older from two groups: those without a history of AMD (AMD-naive group) and those with nonexudative AMD (nonexudative AMD group). The patients were then grouped based on their use of melatonin or lack thereof (control group).
The researchers employed Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to match patients in both groups based on variables such as age, medical history, and use of non-melatonin sleep medications.
The study evaluated the risk ratios and confidence intervals ( 95% CIs) to compare outcomes between the melatonin and control groups. In the AMD-naive group, they assessed new diagnoses of any AMD, while in the nonexudative AMD group, the focus was on progression to exudative AMD.
Key findings from the study include:
The authors attribute these potential benefits to melatonin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, melatonin may have antiangiogenic effects and help maintain mitochondrial function, which are critical in preventing the development and progression of AMD.
Previous research in both animal and human studies has supported these beneficial properties, suggesting melatonin as a promising therapeutic option in AMD management.
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