Alcohol increases AMD risk

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - the most common cause of visual loss in people over 65 years of age - according to an Australian study that enrolled 20,963 people who were aged between 40 and 69 years in 1990-1994.

When re-evaluated between 2003 and 2007, alcohol consumption of more than 20g per day (2.5 units) increased the adjusted risk of early by 21 per cent and late AMD by 44 per cent compared to abstainers. The risk was similar in men and women and excessive consumption of wine, beer, and spirits all increased the likelihood of developing AMD.