Role of melatonin in pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people aged 50 years and older in the advanced world. The article deals with the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease. Special attention is given to a new approach to the prevention and treatment of AMD with the help of melatonin; modern management options and scientifc achievements are discussed. Many researchers have shown that melatonin is able to protect retinal epithelial cells from oxidative damage. Perhaps the physiological reduction of melatonin in the elderly may be an important factor in the dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium, which is the cause of AMD.