Alcohol Consumption and Cataract Risk: What You Need to Know

As you age, your risk of developing cataracts increases. However, a glass of red wine here and there may help you to avoid cataracts, while drinking beer or abusing alcohol might increase your risk of getting it.

Cataracts

• According to Mayo Clinic.com, a cataract is an area of cloudiness over the lens of your eye. This cloudy film makes it seem like you're looking through a foggy window. Cataracts develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes.

Increased Cataract Risk With Alcohol

• The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical College of Medicine notes that alcohol consumption can play a part in the development of cataracts and suggests that avoiding alcohol abuse will lower this risk.

Red Wine

• Medscape Today reported that the Reykjavik Eye Study shows that both non-drinkers and those who drink heavily have an increased risk of developing cataracts. In contrast, people who drink red wine at a moderate rate had a decreased risk of cataract development.

Other Alcoholic Drinks

• The Reykjavik Eye Study also showed that whiskey and brandy also had a protective effect against cataracts, but not as strong as red wine. However the same study concluded that beer drinkers had an increased risk of cataract development.

Other Risks Factors

• Women are more prone to cataracts, as are people with diabetes, prolonged steroid use, obesity, eye injury, and nearsightedness. Smokers are also at increased risk.