Can melatonin prevent you from developing AMD?
Melatonin is a common therapy used to improve sleep. It helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and promote better rest and relaxation.
A new study now suggests it may also be helpful in preventing or delaying the progression of AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration).
AMD is experienced by an estimated 19 million Americans over the age of 40, and it can lead to severely impaired central vision or even blindness. It occurs when photoreceptor cells in the macula (the central component of the retina) break down, causing blurred vision. AMD is one of the many retina conditions our board-certified retinal specialists and ophthalmology experts at Austin Retina Associates treat every day.
Does taking melatonin prevent AMD?
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology evaluated more than 120,000 people over the age of 50 years old to discover the impact of melatonin supplements on those who had no history of AMD.
Here’s what was found:
- Participants who took melatonin supplements were shown to be less likely to develop AMD.
- Additional groups studied who already had Dry AMD (the earlier form) and were given melatonin were less likely to have it progress to Wet AMD.
- Melatonin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also be instrumental in slowing the development or progression of damaging/irritating processes occurring in the eye that could contribute to AMD.
While this research is still new and there is much more to learn, experts agree that the results are promising.
Austin Retina Associates’ retina fellow, Dr. Luca Rosignoli, recently shared his thoughts on this study and the effects of melatonin on AMD.
What is your impression of this study?
This is an interesting article, particularly because of the large patient population studied and the appeal of using a supplement with few side effects, low cost and wide availability to treat such a widespread and impairing disease process. Overall, there is currently not enough evidence to firmly establish melatonin use as a way to prevent or slow progression of AMD. However, the results of the article add to a pool of promising findings to justify further investigation of this therapy.
We have to keep in mind that AMD is a multifactorial disease process that is also linked to dietary and lifestyle habits (such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking) that are difficult to control in large-scale studies. In addition, melatonin is currently sold as a dietary supplement. Although the FDA conducts inspections to ensure product safety and compliance with manufacturing requirements of the supplements available in the market, it does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed.
Like with any other dietary supplement, melatonin content of a marketed supplement can vary widely from what is listed on the label. Before the use of melatonin can be considered in the treatment of AMD, stricter policies must be in place to ensure consistent dosage and product quality.
Why might melatonin slow the progress or even prevent macular degeneration?
The pathogenesis of AMD is not fully understood, but we know that local inflammation and
deterioration of the retinal pigment epithelium plays a role in its progression. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant. Studies on animal models also show that melatonin supplementation can favor tissue repair and promote retinal stability by changing the inflammatory response in the retina with AMD. These mechanisms may play a beneficial role in preventing development and progression of AMD.
How much melatonin might help prevent macular degeneration? People occasionally take melatonin for sleep, would the occasional use have any effect?
In the recently-published study, the authors considered melatonin supplementation as the “presence of at least 4 instances of melatonin records [in the patients’ charts] that each occurred at least 3 months apart”. Especially in such a large-scale study, it is impossible to assess the patients’ consistency in their consumption of melatonin supplements. In addition, multiple melatonin dosages are present on the market. As mentioned earlier, there is variability in a supplement’s melatonin content from the listed label. Because of these issues, we do not know whether occasional melatonin use for sleeplessness may have an effect on AMD development or progression.
Is there a risk with taking melatonin?
Melatonin itself has a good safety profile. Mild side effects include sleepiness, headache,
dizziness or upset stomach. Unfortunately, the lack of pre-marketing FDA regulation implies that it is difficult to ensure the absence of additives or contaminants in available melatonin supplements. Some of these “impurities” may interact with patients’ medications or medical conditions. Reported severe adverse events from melatonin supplementation are exceedingly rare. Nonetheless, it is important for a patient to consult their primary care provider prior to
starting a melatonin supplement.
What else can be done to prevent macular degeneration?
Lifestyle habits known to protect against the development of macular degeneration include:
- Following a healthy diet (rich in omega-3 fatty acids and leafy greens such as spinach or collard greens)
- Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding tobacco products
Dr. Rosignoli shares that if AMD is diagnosed, medications and a combination of supplements known as the AREDS2 formulation (500mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 10mg lutein, 2mg zeaxanthin, 2mg copper, 80mg zinc) can help slow down the disease’s progression.
Consult with a Retina Specialist Today
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
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