Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Melatonin

By Gregory Chandler Eyesight may be maintained with melatonin supplementation. Telomeres--the protective tips on the ends of each DNA strand--are a primary sign of aging; the longer the telomere, the younger the cell age. In one study, 55 individuals with weakening vision from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) took 3 mg of melatonin per day. After six months, 75 percent had stable eyesight and fewer AMD symptoms. In AMD, the retina deteriorates over time. In a new theory, researchers said that the antioxidants in melatonin help retinal pigment cells repair oxidative damage and stimulate the cells to produce telomerase, a protein that helps maintain healthy telomere length. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law