Purpose: To investigate alcohol consumption as a risk factor for the 15-year cumulative incidence and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Design: Prospective population-based study in Beaver Dam, WI with four examinations at five-year intervals initiated in 1988 (n = 3,509 contributed data for this analysis).
Methods: History of alcohol consumption was obtained via questionnaire. Cumulative incidence of early AMD, exudative AMD, pure geographic atrophy, and progression of AMD were assessed from fundus photographs taken at each examination.
Results: Heavy drinking (four or more drinks daily) at baseline was related to the 15-year cumulative incidence of pure geographic atrophy in men (odds ratio, 9.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 51.2). There were no consistent associations with the amount of beer, wine, or liquor consumption and the incidence or progression of AMD.
Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is unlikely to strongly increase (or decrease) the risk of AMD.