MELATONIN could stop your eyesight from deteriorating as you age, scientists say. The tablets are commonly prescribed to help with sleep problems, particularly insomnia. 1 Taking melatonin was linked to lower risk of age-related macular degeneration Credit: Getty But scientists say the supplements may also improve your chances of maintaining your eyesight as you get older, as it could lower your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a common condition that causes blurring or distortion in the middle part of your vision, usually striking people in their 50s and 60s. It doesn't cause total blindness, but it can make activities like reading, watching TV and recognising people's faces more difficult. Without treatment, the condition can get worse, making it a struggle to see anything in the middle of your vision.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine assessed records of more than 200,000 people who either had no history of age-related eyesight decline or had developed the slow-progressing nonexudative AMD. This also referred to as 'dry' AMD and is associated with slow vision loss over years or decades. Fast progressing AMD is referred to as 'wet'.

The research team looked at whether people had taken melatonin any time between November 14, 2008, and November 14, 2023. Most read in Health LAST MEN STANDING Final Scotland Euros squad revealed as goalkeeper and defender drop out SECURITAY DETAIL Rumours of Taylor Swift's arrival.