The Macular Disease Foundation says consuming more than 12 ounces of alcohol per day, which is less than one large glass of wine or a large beer, is linked to a greater risk of age-related macular degeneration or irreversible vision loss.
More than 1.5 million Australians are affected by AMD and the foundation led a systematic review of alcohol consumption, diet, food and nutritional supplements associated with the disease.
It found that a second beer or wine had an ‘adverse effect’ on AMD and likely increased the risk of developing the disease.
Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, the foundation said, which is believed to promote the development and progression of AMD.
Australians have been urged to drink less alcohol (pictured) to reduce the risk of vision loss, according to new research
Kathy Chapman, director of the Macular Disease Foundation, advises consumers to cut back on their drink intake.
‘We know that cutting back on alcohol has many benefits, including reducing the risk of developing liver disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers, as well as positive effects such as improving mood, maintaining a healthy weight and saving money,” she said.
‘But what our review tells us – and what many people don’t realize – is the significant benefits that drinking less alcohol has for maintaining healthy eyes and lowering the risk of developing or worsening AMD.’
The foundation promotes a ‘Mediterranean diet’ as a good basis for overall health.
The diet is characterized by fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, extra virgin olive oil and herbs and spices.
As a snack, the diet recommends natural Greek yogurt, fresh vegetable sticks with hummus or tzatziki, crusty bread dipped in extra virgin olive oil or pesto or a piece of fruit.
‘Inflammation plays a role in the development of AMD because eye tissues are vulnerable to oxidative stress,’ said Dr Chapman.
‘Following a Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the blood.
A second glass of beer or wine can have serious consequences for vision and can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The photo shows an Australian stocking up on alcohol
‘This may be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in vegetables, fruit and fish, while research consistently suggests that a Western diet is linked to higher inflammation in the body, which could explain why a Western diet may be associated was at increased risk. of AMD’s development.’
The foundation also recommends cutting back on diets high in meat consumption, especially red and processed meat.
