ABSTRACT
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the macular region in the retina. The macula is the central area of the retina, which enables us to see the £ne details of our central vision. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in older persons in the Western countries. The prevalence of AMD in Americans 40 years or older is 1.5%, and it has been estimated that 1.75 million persons experience this disease. The prevalence increases dramatically with age and is 10% or more among persons older than 80 years.1-9 Considering the signi£cant medical, personal, social, and economic costs of AMD, the need for novel therapeutic and preventative strategies for AMD is pressing. Study of the relationship between AMD and melatonin may be helpful in addressing this problem.
