Age-related macular degeneration is a frequent cause of vision loss, particularly among older adults. The disease affects the central part of the retina, which is essential for sharp vision.
It can develop in different ways: either the tissue in the eye breaks down, or abnormal blood vessels form. Both can lead to impaired vision.
Long-term study
A new study published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology examined eye images from approximately 2,000 people with diabetes over a five-year period. The aim was to determine who developed the disease and how severe it became.
People with diabetes who took the medication metformin had a lower risk of developing the disease at an intermediate stage.
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The risk was 37 percent lower over five years compared with individuals who did not take the medication.
The analysis accounted for differences such as age, sex, and duration of the disease.
According to BMJ Open Ophthalmology, this method provides more precise results than previous studies, which have often relied on registry data.
Treatment and outcomes
The disease is also costly for society. In the United Kingdom, annual costs are estimated to exceed £11 billion.
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Treatment options are also limited. Some patients require repeated injections into the eye, while other forms of treatment have not yet been approved in Europe.
Sources: SciTechDaily, and BMJ Open Ophthalmology.
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