Alcohol & Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye caused by an increased intraocular pressure. One point that has been debated in the medical community is whether the consumption of alcohol has adverse affects on those suffering from glaucoma.

Identification

• Glaucoma is an increased pressure in the eye in which the nerve fibers are compressed and damaged. There is no known cure for glaucoma, and it can cause a loss of vision if left untreated.

Misconceptions

• Contributing factors include family history, smoking, diabetes or other eye diseases. Alcohol has not been found to increase the risk of developing glaucoma. In fact, some experts believe that moderate alcohol consumption can lead to reduced intraocular pressure.

Theories/Speculation

• In recent research conducted by Harvard Medical Schools, it is shown that alcohol might lower intraocular pressure and could actually protect the eye from a loss of vision. It was also cautioned that this is with moderate alcohol consumption, and it should not be made a part of a daily diet.

Theories/Speculation

• In the study led by Dr. Louis Pasquale, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, alcohol was found to decrease pressure of the eye: "Our analysis suggests that low to moderate alcohol consumption does not influence the risk of primary open angle glaucoma, but high alcohol consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma. " Dr. Pasquale also says that the risks of consuming high levels of alcohol outweigh the benefits: "In fact, alcohol consumption associated with a reduced glaucoma risk here is definitely not recommended."

Considerations

• Mild to moderate consumption of alcohol will not worsen glaucoma or increase the risk of developing glaucoma. While studies show a lower intraocular pressure after high alcohol consumption, experts do not agree that the benefits outweigh the risks.