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Editors Selection IGR 17-3

Epidemiology: Interplay of alcohol consumption and genetics in predisposition for glaucoma

Comment by Shan Lin on:

106598 The Association of Alcohol Consumption with Glaucoma and Related Traits: Findings from the UK Biobank, Stuart KV; Luben RN; Warwick AN et al., Ophthalmology. Glaucoma, 2023; 6: 366-379

See also comment(s) by Victoria L. Tseng & Anne Coleman •

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Utilizing the data from the UK Biobank, Stuart et al.¹ examined the role of alcohol consumption in glaucoma and related traits, and assessed the potential effect of genetic factors on these relationships. Although previous studies have shown short-term reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) with alcohol use, some recent association studies have found a positive correlation of alcohol intake with glaucoma. The UK Biobank is a large population study that includes over 500,000 subjects aged 37-73 years at the start of the study. Data available included detailed demographic information; previous exposures; medical history; physical and cognitive measures; and genomic, proteomic, and metabolic data. An eye sub-study was conducted in a subset of participants in 2009-2010. Subjects were categorized as never drinkers, infrequent drinkers, regular drinkers, or former drinkers. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) thickness, macular ganglion cell ‒ inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness, and prevalent glaucoma. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were determined using genetic markers associated with glaucoma. Regular drinkers had higher IOP (+ 0.17 mmHg, P < 0.001) and thinner mGCIPL (-0.17 mm, P = 0.049) than infrequent drinkers. In addition, former drinkers had a greater prevalence of glaucoma (odds ratio = 1.53, P = 0.002) compared to infrequent drinkers. Among regular drinkers, greater alcohol intake was associated with greater chance and severity of glaucoma outcomes and risk factors (all P < 0.001). Associations of alcohol and IOP were significantly enhanced in subjects with higher genetic susceptibility (PRS) to glaucoma (P < 0.001). In summary, the present study supports the association of alcohol ingestion with greater risk for glaucoma and its risk factors including IOP.

The present study supports the association of alcohol ingestion with greater risk for glaucoma and its risk factors including IOP

Although the evidence shows strong correlation, there is need for further studies to help discern causal links and provide the mechanisms by which alcohol intake can lead to a higher chance of glaucoma and its related factors.

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