Over the last few decades, there has been much discussion about the systemic health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation (about one to two glasses a day).

While previous research has shown that drinking wine in moderation might enhance overall systemic wellness, let us examine the ocular health benefits of moderate wine consumption.

Overall, the consumption of grapes and grape skins is very beneficial for systemic health. Grapes contain polyphenols-compounds derived from plants-that act as antioxidants.

Quite fortunately for those of us that enjoy a Burgundian Pinot Noir, red wine is one of the best-and most readily available-sources of resveratrol.

In particular, red wine drinkers were found to have a decreased risk for both cortical and nuclear cataract formation.

The actual relationship between moderate wine consumption and a lower risk of cataract formation is still not entirely understood. New research suggests that the association is related to ingestion of certain antioxidants found in red wine.

Other research about the components of red grapes-namely, red grape skins-
shows a very high concentration of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help in combating AMD.

New research also suggests that reseratrol may serve as a future treatment option for the management and/or prevention of exudative (wet) AMD and tumor formation.
(Just imagine your prescription is two to four glasses of Russo di Montalcino per week!)

Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol blocks the multi-step process of carcinogenesis at various stages, including tumor initiation, promotion and progression.

Another study advocates that grape skins and seeds, used to produce the tannins found in wine, are equally effective in reducing myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury, and therefore, they play a crucial role in cardioprotection.

Finally, grapes have also been found to contain quercetin, a powerful flavonoid and antioxidant that has been shown to prevent low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad cholesterol,” from accumulating in the artery walls.

Drinking one to two glasses of red wine per day yields health benefits that are not obtained by moderately consuming whiskey or beer.

These benefits are attributed to grape-derived antioxidant polyphenolic compounds not found in other alcoholic beverages.

While the systemic perks of moderate red wine consumption have been touted for several years, a review of wine’s ocular health benefits has not been conducted until now. The research demonstrates that the natural compounds found in red wine will help protect your eyes from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other damaging conditions. So, round up your friends, uncork a Bordeaux and toast to good vision!