Rethink that second drink: Alcohol linked to irreversible blindness

Partnering with The University of Sydney, MDFA uncovered research that showed consuming more than 12g of alcohol per day (equivalent to less than one large glass of wine or large beer) is enough to increase the risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which are believed to be underlying factors in the development and progression of AMD.

"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," says Dr Kathy Chapman, chief executive of MDFA and a former nutritionist.

"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 review also found that while there has long been extensive evidence for certain foods being protective against AMD, these may not be as important as people's eating patterns.

"In reality, nutrition concerns the long-term, overall diet," says Dr Chapman. "The concept of 'food synergy', the joint impact that everything you eat and drink has on overall health, is an important message for people to remember."

May is Macular Month and the MDFA is releasing new nutrition guidelines to help Australians understand the detrimental impact alcohol can have on their eyesight.

The Nutrition Guidelines also advise on the best diets and eating patterns to maintain good eye health and protect against AMD.

More than 1.5 million Australians are affected by age-related macular degeneration - the country's leading cause of vision loss.

Although two-thirds of Australian optometrists regularly discuss the impact of diet on eye diseases, and 91 per cent routinely recommend nutritional supplements to patients with AMD, there are currently no official guidelines for nutritional advice.

"My father had age-related macular degeneration and lost his central vision," said MDFA's patron, Ita Buttrose. "Given I have a familial risk of developing the disease, I have been incredibly conscious of my food choices for a long time, so much so that in 2009 I co-authored with Vanessa Jones Eating for Eye Health: The Macular Degeneration Cookbook to highlight how foods can promote good eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration."

The guidelines also confirm the importance of eating fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, and recommend people aim to eat fish at least twice a week."

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MDFA has also found sticking closely to the Mediterranean diet is likely associated with a lower risk of early AMD and delaying progression to late AMD. Similarly, an Asian-style eating pattern (a high intake of vegetables, fish and plant-based proteins in the diet pattern traditional in Japan and Southeast Asia) likely reduces the risk of developing late AMD.

"Research has shown that inflammation plays a role in the development of AMD as ocular tissues are vulnerable to oxidative stress," says Dr Chapman.

"I encourage people to download our new Nutrition Guidelines and sign-up to receive our latest Macula Menu which has new recipes reflecting the new guidelines."

The Nutrition Guidelines can also be downloaded at www.mdfoundation.com.au click on May is Macular Month, then New Nutrition Guidelines.