### Metformin and Its Potential Benefits for Eye Health Metformin, known by brand names such as Glucophage, Glumetza, and Fortamet, is widely used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels and offers various health benefits, including extending life expectancy, reducing heart risks, and lowering high blood pressure. Recent research suggests that Metformin may also help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. #### Key Findings A study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology analyzed health data from over 45,000 people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The study found that those taking Metformin had about a 50% lower risk of developing AMD compared to those not taking the medication. This is significant because AMD affects around 2.1 million people in the U.S. and is more common in individuals with diabetes. #### Why Metformin Might Help Researchers believe that inflammation and oxidative stress play crucial roles in both diabetes and AMD. Metformin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the occurrence of AMD. However, more controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand how Metformin provides this protective effect. #### Additional Benefits People with diabetes are at a higher risk of blindness due to elevated blood sugar levels, which can damage the eyes. Metformin helps manage blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar released by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. This not only helps control diabetes but may also protect against eye diseases like AMD and diabetic retinopathy. #### Lifestyle Recommendations While Metformin shows promise in reducing AMD risk, lifestyle changes are also crucial. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation recommends a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from ultraviolet light to further reduce the risk of eye diseases.