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Melatonin and Age-Related Macular degeneration
What is the relationship between melatonin and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? What is AMD anyway?
What is AMD? “AMD is a common condition — it’s a leading cause of vision loss for older adults. AMD doesn’t cause complete blindness…”
Why do I care? My aunt suffers from AMD so whenever I see a study about AMD prevention I pay attention.
Also, I underwent aggressive conventional cancer therapies in ’94,’95,’97. I’ve had to have several operations on my eyes (side effects). So my eye health is important to me.
Lastly, I already follow many non-conventional therapies listed below for other reasons. So it’s great to read that I am helping to prevent possible AMD
What non-conventional therapies have been shown to slow or eliminate age related macular degeneration?
1. Dietary Interventions and Nutraceuticals
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Omega-3s, particularly DHA and EPA, are thought to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina. Studies suggest that higher intake of omega-3s may lower the risk of AMD progression, though results have been mixed.
- Carotenoids (Lutein and Zeaxanthin): These antioxidants are found in leafy greens and yellow vegetables. They accumulate in the macula and have been associated with a reduced risk of AMD progression. Supplements with these carotenoids are often part of the AREDS2 formula.
- Curcumin (Turmeric): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has shown potential in protecting retinal cells in laboratory models of AMD, but more human studies are needed.
- Resveratrol: This compound, found in red wine and grapes, has shown some neuroprotective effects that may help reduce oxidative damage to retinal cells, though evidence is still preliminary.
2. Acupuncture
- Acupuncture has been explored for eye health, including AMD. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that acupuncture may improve blood flow to the eyes and reduce symptoms. However, larger, controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
3. Microcurrent Stimulation Therapy (MCS)
- Microcurrent therapy involves applying small electrical currents to stimulate cellular activity in the retina. Some preliminary research suggests it might improve vision in people with dry AMD, possibly by increasing retinal blood flow or cellular metabolism, but this remains a largely experimental treatment.
4. Stem Cell Therapy
- Stem cell therapy is an emerging area of research. There are some clinical trials exploring the use of stem cells to regenerate retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in AMD. Early results have shown potential in restoring some vision in advanced cases, but this therapy is still in experimental stages and comes with risks.
5. Low-Level Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
- Low-level light therapy (LLLT) uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular function and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that it may improve visual function in AMD by enhancing mitochondrial activity in retinal cells, though more clinical trials are needed to establish its long-term efficacy.
6. Antioxidant-Rich Diet
- Beyond specific supplements, a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds may help slow AMD progression. Foods high in vitamins C, E, and zinc are often recommended for eye health.
7. Mind-Body Therapies (Yoga, Meditation)
- Stress and inflammation are thought to contribute to AMD progression. Some research suggests that stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga may have indirect benefits for managing AMD by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
8. Herbal Supplements
- Ginkgo Biloba: Known for enhancing circulation, ginkgo may improve blood flow to the retina. Some small studies have shown modest improvements in vision in AMD patients, though more rigorous research is required.
- Bilberry Extract: Rich in antioxidants, bilberry is thought to improve retinal health and vision. While it’s been used historically for eye health, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for AMD is limited.
9. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room, may improve oxygenation of retinal tissues and slow AMD progression. However, research is still limited in this area.
Are you dealing with AMD currently? Would you like to learn more about evidence-based non-conventional AMD therapies? Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Melatonin May Cut Risk for Age-Related Eye Disease
“Melatonin supplementation is linked to a reduced risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and slowing its progression, suggesting potential as a preventive therapy…
TAKEAWAY:
- Use of melatonin was associated with a 58% reduction in the risk for developing AMD, according to the researchers.
- In people with nonexudative AMD, use of the supplement was linked to a 56% lower risk for progression to exudative AMD.
- The findings were consistent across age groups, suggesting melatonin’s benefits may extend to older populations at higher risk for AMD, the researchers reported.
IN PRACTICE:
“In this cohort study of 121,523 patients with no history of AMD aged ≥ 50 years, taking melatonin was associated with a decreased risk of developing AMD,” the authors of the study wrote. “Likewise, among 66,253 patients with preexisting nonexudative AMD, melatonin supplementation was negatively associated with the rate of progression to exudative AMD.”
Studies in animals and humans have shown melatonin may be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and have both antiangiogenic and mitochondrial-preserving properties, the authors noted. The new findings “provide a rationale for expanding clinical research on the potential therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in preventing AMD development or its progression,” they added. ”