New Delhi: Melatonin is often prescribed to treat insomnia and treat other sleep-related disorders. This hormone is naturally released by the body when the body is exposed to a dark environment, and it induces sleep. However, in some cases, the body does not produce enough of this hormone to induce restful sleep, therefore, melatonin is prescribed to combat the long-term side effects of not getting enough sleep. But according to scientists, it can also work to prevent age-related macular degeneration – which refers to loss of vision with age.
What is AMD?
AMD is a condition which results in blurring or distortion in the middle part of vision. It usually occurs in the 50s or the 60s. While it does not cause complete blindness, it can take a toll on daily activities such as reading, watching TV or recognising people. Without treatment this condition can get worse and according to experts at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, using melatonin can help combat the same.
How does melatonin affect AMD risk?
For this, researchers assessed records of over 2 lakh people with no history of age-related eyesight decline or history of slow-progressing nonexudative AMD. This condition is also known as dry AMD and it is linked with slow loss of vision over the years for decades. When the same progresses faster, it is known as wet AMD. The research team also evaluated whether participants took melatonin between November 2018 to November 2023. Those who used the sleeping aid atleast four times three months apart, they were less likely to suffer from loss of vision.
Out of the 121,523 patients aged 50 and older, with no history of AMD, regular use of melatonin was linked to a 58% lower risk of the condition. This was also known to have a positive effect on patients with dry AMD. In patients with early eyesight degeneration, the pill was linked to a 56% lower risk of the condition progressing. The study’s findings are published in JAMA Opthalmology – however, researchers said that it did not come without its limitations.
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone which naturally occurs in the body and it is also involved in sleep. This helps control how long one sleeps. For patients of insomnia, this one can help combat sleep problems.
Out of the 121,523 patients aged 50 and older, with no history of AMD, regular use of melatonin was linked to a 58% lower risk of the condition. This was also known to have a positive effect on patients with dry AMD. In patients with early eyesight degeneration, the pill was linked to a 56% lower risk of the condition progressing. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
