Alcohol has been shown to be a modifiable risk factor in a number of ocular diseases, and recent research suggests glaucoma may be one of them. Those with or at risk for glaucoma may benefit from reducing their alcohol consumption.
They found that the group of regular drinkers had a higher IOP than never/infrequent drinkers (+0.15mm Hg). The team also noted non-significant trends in the regular drinker group toward a thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and higher odds of glaucoma. Even those who self-identified as former drinkers had higher odds of developing glaucoma (odds ratio: 1.44).
If further studies can confirm that a causal relationship does exist, it may prove beneficial to advise glaucoma patients and those at increased risk to be cognizant of their alcohol intake and aware of its potential effects on disease development.
Original abstract content © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2022.
https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/news/article/consumption-of-alcohol-could-increase-glaucoma-odds
