Conflicting older studies have raised controversy about whether aspirin use is associated with the development or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
However, new research examining aspirin use in people with AMD has concluded that aspirin has little to no effect on the development or progression of the disease.
A 2024 study conducted over a 3-year period reported that daily, low dose aspirin does not affect the incidence or progression of age-related macular degeneration
And a 2019 study found no association between aspirin use and progression of AMD in participants who were allowed to use aspirin and those who were not.
The upshot of this recent research is that people with AMD do not need to avoid aspirin for fear that it will cause the development or progression of the disease.
While recent research has shown that aspirin use does not cause the development or progression of AMD, can it help prevent AMD?
Research says no.
A
Another 2024 study that followed participants over 3 years found similar results. Progression from early to intermediate AMD occurred in 2.3% of the daily low dose aspirin group and 3.1% of the placebo group, a nonsignificant difference.
While there’s currently no cure for AMD, a doctor can recommend ways to help slow its progression. These include:
- medications: these can be injected directly into your eyes to slow or stop the growth of blood vessels
- photodynamic therapy: a doctor injects medication into a vein in your arm and then uses a laser to close leaking blood vessels
- photocoagulation: a doctor uses high-energy laser beams to destroy abnormal blood vessels
Research hasn’t yet found a way to prevent AMD, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- quitting smoking (if you smoke)
- eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising consistently