Macular Disease Foundation warns more than one drink a day can lead to vision loss

Aussies who consume more than one glass of wine or beer a day are putting themselves at serious risk of developing a debilitating disease.

A new review from the Macular Disease Foundation shows consuming more than 12kg of alcohol per day affects age-related macular degeneration. Picture: Supplied

A couple of beers after work or a half-bottle of wine at dinner is a beloved Aussie tradition, but new findings from a leading eye vision organisation suggests that second glass of booze could put Australians at greater risk of suffering serious health issues.

The Macular Disease Foundation says consuming more than 12g of alcohol a day, which is less than one large glass of wine or a large beer, is linked to a larger 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, food and nutritional supplements linked to the disease.

It found a second beer or wine had a “detrimental effect” on AMD and likely increased the probability of developing the disease.

Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, the foundation states, which are believed propel the development and progression of AMD.

A second glass of beer is not harmless, according to new findings from the Macular Disease Foundation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Macular Disease Foundation chief executive Kathy Chapman recommends consumers cut back on their booze intake.

“We know that cutting back on alcohol has many benefits, including reducing the risk of developing liver disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, as well as positive effects like boosting mood, keeping a healthy weight and saving money,” she said.

“But what our review is telling us – and what many people don’t realise – are the significant benefits drinking less alcohol has on maintaining healthy eyes and lowering the risk of developing or progressing AMD.”

The foundation promotes a “Mediterranean diet” as a good foundation for overall health.

The diet is characterised by vegetables and fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, extra virgin olive oil and herbs and spices.

Macular Disease Foundation Australia chief executive Kathy Chapman recommends Aussies take up a ‘Mediterranean diet’ to protect their health. Picture: Supplied

For snacking, the diet recommends natural Greek style yoghurt, 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,” Dr Chapman said.

“Adhering to a Mediterranean diet has been linked to lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in the blood.

“This may be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in vegetables, fruit and fish, whereas research consistently suggests a Western diet is linked with higher inflammation in the body, which may explain why a Western diet was possibly associated with increased risk of developing AMD.”

The foundation also recommends cutting back on high-meat consumption diets, particularly red and processed meats.