Alcohol consumption could be associated with faster presbyopia progression in men, according to Japanese researchers.
The large cross-sectional study by the Keio University School of Medicine and Otake Eye Clinic team was published in Clinical Optometry. Researchers measured near add power in 6,258 people aged 40 to 79 years, assessing thresholds of +1.50D and +2.50D, and examined associations with common lifestyle factors.
Analysis showed men reached the +1.50D endpoint significantly earlier than women, while male drinkers reached the +2.50D endpoint significantly earlier than male non-drinkers. Smoking status, HbA1c levels and diabetic retinopathy were not significant factors, researchers said.
Presbyopia is strongly age-related and progresses through adult life, but the influence of lifestyle factors has not been fully established, said authors. Since this observational study could not prove causation, further longitudinal research would be needed to confirm the relationship between alcohol and presbyopia and explore possible mechanisms, they said.
