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Rachel V Thomas

Metformin Can Help Lower Risk Of Age-related Vision Loss: Study

Metformin can help lower risk of age-related vision loss: Study

Metformin is a safe and effective drug used by type 2 patients for the last six decades to control their blood sugar levels and improve the way the body handles insulin.

A recent study showed that metformin can also be crucial in reducing the risk of vision loss in people over the age of 50, known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The observational study, published in the BMJ Open Ophthalmology, showed that metformin can cut down the cases of AMD by nearly 40 percent in people with Type 2 diabetes over five years.

“We have found a significant association between metformin use and a reduction in the incidence of intermediate AMD by 37 percent in people with diabetes over 5 years. Previous epidemiological studies of metformin and AMD have used secondary data on AMD,” said corresponding author Nicholas A. V. Beare, from the University of Liverpool, UK.

“Given metformin’s anti-aging therapeutic effects, the reduction in risk is plausible and warrants prospective clinical trials,” he added. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/metformin-controls-blood-sugar-with-help-from-brain-neurons-finds-study-article-153925574" data-type="tilCustomLink">Metformin Controls Blood Sugar With Help From Brain Neurons, Finds Study</a>

While currently there is no specific treatment option for AMD — a common cause of blindness in high-income countries — scientists have shown interest in metformin as a candidate drug for treating AMD and reducing its progression.

It is because of metformin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antifibrotic effects. Metformin is also postulated to delay ageing and ageing-related diseases.

Previous research has also identified metformin as a potential treatment for all stages of AMD. Researchers also noted that the common diabetes drug is readily accessible and has a strong safety profile.

The BMJ study analyzed more than 2,500 participants aged 50 or above who attended retinopathy screening in 2011.

All participants had Type 2 diabetes and gradable fundus photographs — high-quality retinal images.

Individuals prescribed oral metformin had a 37 percent lower risk of intermediate AMD by five years. The results are consistent with known biological mechanisms, given metformin’s potential favourable effects on AMD progression, researchers reported, the researchers said.

The team, however, acknowledged limitations such as a lack of proper data regarding the dose, duration of prior use, or compliance with metformin use.

Further, there were only a relatively small number of participants developing advanced AMD – an inevitability in population-based studies. They urged for a clinical trail to prove metformin's potential in treating AMD.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/living-with-diabetes-could-lead-to-other-health-problems-article-151067583" data-type="tilCustomLink">World Sight Day: 10 Tips To Help Prevent Vision Loss In Elderly</a>

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. It results in the loss of sharp, straight-ahead vision. 

The condition commonly affects adults over 50, and causes

<ul><li>blurry vision, </li><li>dark spots, </li><li>distorted straight lines.</li></ul>

While AMD rarely causes total blindness but affects central vision, making reading and driving difficult. It is of two types:

<ul><li>Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration</li><li>Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration </li></ul>Globally, AMD is a top-five cause of vision loss. As the aging population increases, the number of people with AMD in the world is also estimated to increase by 50 percent to 288 million in 2040, with the highest burden in Asia.

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Metformin is a safe and effective drug used by type 2 patients for the last six decades to control their blood sugar levels and improve the way the body handles insulin. A recent study showed that metformin can also be crucial in reducing the risk of vision loss in people over the age of 50, known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The observational study, published in the BMJ Open Ophthalmology, showed that metformin can cut down the cases of AMD by nearly 40 percent in people with Type 2 diabetes over five years. “We have found a significant association between metformin use and a reduction in the incidence of intermediate AMD by 37 percent in people with diabetes over 5 years. Previous epidemiological studies of metformin and AMD have used secondary data on AMD,” said corresponding author Nicholas A. V. Beare, from the University of Liverpool, UK. “Given metformin’s anti-aging therapeutic effects, the reduction in risk is plausible and warrants prospective clinical trials,” he added. Also read: Metformin Controls Blood Sugar With Help From Brain Neurons, Finds StudyMetformin And AMD While currently there is no specific treatment option for AMD — a common cause of blindness in high-income countries — scientists have shown interest in metformin as a candidate drug for treating AMD and reducing its progression. It is because of metformin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antifibrotic effects. Metformin is also postulated to delay ageing and ageing-related diseases.Previous research has also identified metformin as a potential treatment for all stages of AMD. Researchers also noted that the common diabetes drug is readily accessible and has a strong safety profile. How Metformin Improves AMD The BMJ study analyzed more than 2,500 participants aged 50 or above who attended retinopathy screening in 2011. All participants had Type 2 diabetes and gradable fundus photographs — high-quality retinal images. Individuals prescribed oral metformin had a 37 percent lower risk of intermediate AMD by five years. The results are consistent with known biological mechanisms, given metformin’s potential favourable effects on AMD progression, researchers reported, the researchers said. The team, however, acknowledged limitations such as a lack of proper data regarding the dose, duration of prior use, or compliance with metformin use. Further, there were only a relatively small number of participants developing advanced AMD – an inevitability in population-based studies. They urged for a clinical trail to prove metformin's potential in treating AMD. Also read: World Sight Day: 10 Tips To Help Prevent Vision Loss In ElderlyWhat Is AMD? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. It results in the loss of sharp, straight-ahead vision. The condition commonly affects adults over 50, and causesblurry vision, dark spots, distorted straight lines.While AMD rarely causes total blindness but affects central vision, making reading and driving difficult. It is of two types: Dry Age-Related Macular DegenerationWet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Globally, AMD is a top-five cause of vision loss. As the aging population increases, the number of people with AMD in the world is also estimated to increase by 50 percent to 288 million in 2040, with the highest burden in Asia.

metformin can help lower risk of age-related vision loss: study

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