In a cohort study involving more than 120,000 patients aged 50 or older, researchers found that those who took melatonin had a 58% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to those who did not. Among patients with nonexudative AMD, melatonin was also associated with a slower progression to the more severe exudative form of the disease.

The study, which utilized a national database of electronic health records, highlighted melatonin's potential as a protective therapy against AMD. While lifestyle factors could influence the results, the findings provide a basis for expanding clinical research on melatonin’s efficacy in preventing AMD development and progression.

The researchers concluded that further investigation is needed to confirm melatonin’s role as a preventive therapy against AMD. The data was published in the June issue of JAMA Ophthalmology.