- Researchers say the type 2 diabetes drug metformin may help manage age-related macular degeneration.
- Researchers said people taking metformin were 37% less likely to develop intermediate stages of chronic eye disease, which can lead to vision loss and blindness.
- Experts say more research is needed to confirm this link and that metformin should not yet be prescribed to treat age-related macular degeneration.
Drugs commonly prescribed for treatment type 2 diabetes New research suggests it may also help older people with age-related macular degeneration.
Researchers said it was taken by diabetics over the age of 50. metformin They were 37% less likely to develop the intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool in the UK analyzed photos taken of 2,000 people’s eyes as part of their daily lives. diabetic eye disease The film will be shown in Liverpool for five years.
Researchers assessed whether AMD was present in the photos and the severity of symptoms. They then compared people taking metformin to people not taking it.
“They said that compared to a cohort of people who did not take metformin, those in the metformin group were 37% less likely to develop intermediate AMD over five years.
“Most people who suffer from AMD are untreated, so this is a major advance in the search for new treatments,” he said. nicholas beara clinician-researcher at the University of Liverpool who led the research, said: statement.
“What we need to do now is test metformin as a treatment for AMD in clinical trials. Metformin has the potential to save many people’s vision.”
Theodore WrenM.D., professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University, said the Liverpool study shows some association between metformin use and the development of intermediate AMD, but noted some limitations to the findings.
Ren, who was not involved in the study, said:
He pointed out that the 2025 survey surveyed 1.6 million people, compared to 2,000 people in the Liverpool survey.
“I think more research is needed before we can make specific recommendations for the use of metformin for people who have or are at risk for AMD and want to prevent the development of AMD,” Ren told Healthline.
benjamin bartM.D., an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif., agreed that more research is needed into the potential benefits of metformin as a treatment for AMD.
He pointed out that the Liverpool study only included people over 50 with diabetes. He said it was important to learn how metformin could help the wider general population.
He added that additional treatments for macular degeneration could be beneficial.
“Anything that can help slow the progression of macular degeneration or keep macular degeneration stable is welcome,” Burt told Healthline.
Age-related macular degeneration affects most cases
AMD It is a disease caused by deterioration of the macula (a small area in the center of the retina at the back of the eye).
If left untreated, AMD occurs. Main cause Vision loss in people over 60 years old.
dry macular degeneration AMD affects approximately 85% to 90% of patients. It is caused by small yellow deposits called drusen that develop under the macula.
wet macular degeneration The remaining 10% to 15% of AMD patients are affected. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina and macula. This is an advanced form of AMD that can cause rapid and severe vision loss.
AMD is a progressive disease that becomes more severe over time. This condition can occur in one or both eyes.
There are many early symptoms of AMD. They include:
- Difficult to see in dim light
- Vision becomes blurry not only for distant objects but also for nearby objects.
- colors are not that vivid
Late-stage symptoms of dry AMD include:
- Continued decrease in central vision
- The need for brighter lighting
- blurry
- difficult to recognize faces
Subsequent symptoms of wet AMD include:
- blurred vision
- dark spot in the center of vision
- blurred vision
There is no cure for AMD, but there are treatments that can help improve vision. These include medications as well as certain laser treatments.
“Vitamin preparations known as,” Ren said.
Burt said these multivitamins have been proven to be effective in treating AMD.
“They have been shown to be very beneficial,” he said.
Leng also mentioned light therapy, also known as. photobioregulation It was authorized A year ago, it was announced by the Food and Drug Administration to treat dry AMD.
Metformin is a generic prescription drug used to manage type 2 diabetes.
The daily oral tablet works by reducing sugar production in the liver, reducing the absorption of sugar from food and improving your body’s tone. insulin sensitivity.
Unlike GLP-1 drugMetformin is not approved as a weight loss treatment, but some people may experience weight loss as a side effect of the drug.
Other side effects include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- indigestion
Metformin also includes a “black box” warning about the risks associated with developing the drug. lactic acidosis.
It is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for the management of type 2 diabetes because it is generally effective and well-tolerated.
a 2015 survey Researchers concluded that metformin could reduce the risk of diabetes by 18% over 15 years.
It may also be prescribed to people such as prediabetes As a way to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Mr Burt said he would warn people who do not have diabetes about taking metformin to treat AMD. He said the drug could be lower blood sugar levels decline to a level sufficient to develop hypoglycemia.
“That’s probably the biggest concern,” he said.
Leng said there are many things people can do to reduce the impact of AMD. They include:
- Regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist (perhaps every 6 months)
- Intake of AREDS2 vitamin preparations
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors
- Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
- Eat a healthy diet such as a Mediterranean diet
- exercise regularly
Berg agreed that overall health is important because the eyes are sensitive to health issues in other parts of the body.
“Anything that benefits the body also benefits the eyes,” he said.
Leng concluded that metformin should not be considered as a sole treatment for AMD.
“With respect to metformin in particular, current evidence does not support prescribing metformin solely for the prevention or treatment of AMD in patients without diabetes,” he said. “For patients already taking metformin for diabetes, continuation is reasonable given its overall safety profile, but expectations for AMD protection should be tempered.”