Alcohol and eye diseases: A review of epidemiologic studies

Objective: Epidemiologic evidence for the associations of alcohol consumpti on with eye diseases was gathered. Method: A literature review was conducte d. Results: In addition to alcohol-induced ocular anomalies among children with fetal alcohol syndrome, epidemiologic studies in the past two decades have demonstrated that chronic alcoholism is associated with a significantl y increased risk of cataract, keratitis, color vision deficiencies and corn eal arcus. Moderate alcohol use, however, has been reported to be possibly protective against age-related macular degeneration, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: It is evident that through its biologic effects a nd effects on nutrient deficits alcohol plays a role in a variety of eye di seases. Information on the patient's drinking history can be clinically val uable and should be collected on a routine basis.