Recent research from the University of Liverpool suggests that metformin, a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, may also have potential benefits for individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study indicates that older adults with diabetes who take metformin are 37% less likely to progress to the intermediate stage of AMD, which can lead to significant vision loss.
The researchers analyzed eye images from 2,000 diabetic patients over a five-year period, comparing the incidence of AMD between those taking metformin and those who were not. The findings point to a possible association between metformin use and a lower likelihood of developing intermediate AMD stages. However, experts caution that further studies are essential to validate these results and that metformin should not be prescribed specifically for AMD treatment at this time.
Dr. Theodore Leng, an ophthalmology professor, highlighted limitations in the Liverpool study, referencing a larger study that found no significant link between metformin and advanced AMD. He emphasized that more research is needed to assess how metformin might benefit a broader population beyond the diabetic cohort studied.
Age-related macular degeneration affects nearly 20 million Americans over 40 and is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. While there are no cures for AMD, some treatments, including vitamin formulations like AREDS2 and FDA-approved light therapy, can help manage the disease's progression.
Experts agree that maintaining overall health is crucial for eye health, advocating for regular eye exams and a healthy lifestyle. They reiterated that metformin should not be viewed as a standalone treatment for AMD, particularly in individuals without diabetes.