Melatonin and Eye Health

BUENOS AIRES, ArgentinaSupplementation with melatonin, an effective antioxidant, may support eye health and fight certain ocular conditions, according to a new review (J Pineal Res. ePub 2010 May 13; DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2010.00764.x). Researchers from the University of Buenos Aires noted free radical generation and altered metabolism of nitric oxide (NO) impact the development of conditions such as glaucoma and uveitis. Melatonin synthesis does occur in the eye, and receptors for the hormone are located in different ocular structures. As melatonin is an effective antioxidant with antinitridergic properties, it may protect ocular tissues by scavenging both free radicals and excessive amounts of NO generated in the eyes of patients with glaucoma or uveitis.