Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Melatonin is primarily known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, but emerging scientific evidence suggests it may also support eye health. Melatonin is naturally present in the retina and other ocular tissues, where it appears to act as an antioxidant and modulate intraocular pressure. Several laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that melatonin can protect retinal cells from oxidative stress and may help regulate physiological processes related to the circadian rhythm within the eye. Some small human studies have explored melatonin’s potential in conditions such as glaucoma, where it may help lower intraocular pressure, though results are preliminary and not yet conclusive for clinical recommendation. Furthermore, melatonin’s antioxidant properties suggest it could help mitigate damage from light exposure and aging in retinal tissues.

Despite these findings, the overall quality and quantity of human clinical trials are limited, and melatonin is not broadly recognized as a standard treatment or preventive agent for eye diseases. Most of the supporting evidence comes from experimental models rather than large-scale clinical trials. Therefore, while there is scientific interest and some supportive findings, the evidence base is not robust enough to warrant strong recommendations for melatonin’s use specifically for eye health at this time.

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