Long-Term Metformin Use May Lower Risk of Dry AMD

By Dr. Kevin -


Metformin, a common diabetes drug, might help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially the dry form. In a study of over 3,700 older diabetic patients, those who took metformin for at least five years had a lower AMD rate (3.3%) than those who didn’t (4.9%). The risk reduction was stronger for people taking it for six or more years.

The benefit was clear for dry AMD but not significant fo
r wet AMD. Researchers think metformin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent AMD from developing, though it doesn’t seem to slow disease once advanced.

Importantly, the study found that insulin didn’t affect AMD risk, while statins showed a protective effect, supporting the findings about metformin. Still, the authors caution that more research—especially long-term clinical trials—is needed to confirm whether taking metformin for many years truly lowers AMD risk.

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