The Macular Disease Foundation says consuming more than 12g of alcohol a day, which is less than a large glass of wine or a large beer, is linked to an increased 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, dietary patterns, foods and nutritional supplements related to the disease.
It found that a second beer or wine had a “detrimental effect” on AMD and probably increased the chance of developing the disease.
Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, the foundation states, which are believed to drive 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.
Macular Disease Foundation Executive Director Kathy Chapman recommends consumers reduce their alcohol consumption.
“We know that reducing alcohol consumption has many benefits, including reducing the risk of developing liver disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer, as well as positive effects such as improving mood, maintaining a healthy weight and saving money” , he claimed.
“But what our review tells us (and what many people don’t realize) are the important benefits of drinking less alcohol for keeping your eyes healthy and reducing the risk of developing or progressing AMD.”
The foundation promotes a “Mediterranean diet” as a good foundation for overall health.
The diet is characterized by vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, nuts and seeds, fish and shellfish, extra virgin olive oil and herbs and spices.
For snacks, the diet recommends plain Greek-style 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, as ocular tissues are vulnerable to oxidative stress,” said Dr. Chapman.
«Adherence to a Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the blood.
A second glass of beer or wine can have serious effects on your vision and accelerate the risk of age-related macular degeneration. In the photo an Australian appears stocking up on alcohol.
“This may be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in vegetables, fruits and fish, while research consistently suggests that a Western diet is linked to increased inflammation in the body, which may explain why a Western diet possibly associated with an increased risk.” of developing AMD.’
The foundation also recommends reducing diets rich in meat, especially red and processed meats.