Eyes and Alcohol: The Effects of Drinking

Alcohol is a nervous system depressant that affects the functioning of organs, including the eyes. When consuming alcohol in moderation, the body can metabolize it and excrete it through the liver and kidneys. In contrast, when consumption is excessive, that often leads to a buildup of toxins causing alcohol eyesight damage and eye problems. Oftentimes even small amounts of liquor or spirits could cause puffy and bloodshot ‘alcohol eyes’. Transient vision loss can be a warning sign of some life threatening conditions like a stroke. Many conditions that cause transient vision loss can also cause complications like permanent disability or permanent vision loss.

• It’s also imperative to stay on top of conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis and irregular heart rates, which may have an impact on amaurosis fugax.
• Eventually, they will lead to total blindness that cannot be reversed.
• This issue isn’t just bothersome; it can also be unsafe if you’re trying to navigate your way home or manage tasks that require sharp vision.
• A damaged optic nerve can lead to low vision and sometimes blindness.
• Constant jumping around can also cause eye strain and headaches.
• Bloodshot eyes, dryness, or blurred and double vision are common side effects of drinking alcohol.

Addiction Questions?

Possible short-term problems relating to intoxication include blurry vision, changes in color perception, and light sensitivity. The effects may be short term, such as blurred or double vision, or they may be long term and potentially permanent. Methanol reacts with normal biological eye processes, leading to permanent damage of vital nerves that send images to the brain. Even with treatment, over 30% of individuals will still have some permanent damage.

Prevention and Detox Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

Once the person has consumed a little alcohol, the brain relaxes that control and vision problems become apparent. However, these changes will go away once the alcohol has cleared the system. Ophthalmologists consider alcohol consumption a modifiable risk factor, meaning individuals can prevent alcohol vision decline by limiting or stopping consumption. There is no single treatment, so individuals receive treatment depending on their symptoms.

Ways Excessive Drinking Can Cause Vision Problems

Formerly, Tyler studied Aeronautics (just like his brother) with the dream of becoming an airline pilot, blurry vision hangover however, after 9/11 his career path changed. After graduating top of his class with a Bachelor of Science in Informational Technologies and Administrative Management, he joined Rebuild Your Vision in 2002. Double vision is not dangerous unless you’re behind the wheel.

• Prevention may be the best way to improve a person’s outlook for their eyes and other aspects of mental and physical health in relation to alcohol.
• People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease and other problems that can affect their eyesight.
• A person can become intoxicated even with moderate drinking and may experience temporary disturbances to their vision.

Transient vision loss causes and risk factors

Studies showed that alcohol reduced vision in low-illumination environments, especially at night. Individuals may experience the typical blurred vision where objects, texts, or faces may be challenging to identify. To understand the amount of alcohol required to affect vision, we first must discuss alcohol blood levels. An estimated 28.8 million adults ages 18 and older in the United States have AUD.12 To diagnose the condition, doctors ask a series of questions. Answering them can help you understand if you might have a problem with alcohol.

Rapid Eye Movements

One of the immediate effects of alcohol on vision is blurred vision. This blurriness can be a result of alcohol’s impact on the central nervous system, which can disrupt the brain’s ability to process visual information effectively. Additionally, alcohol can also cause nystagmus, characterized by involuntary eye movements that can lead to distorted or shaky vision.

How to Minimize Alcohol’s Impact on Vision

• Sometimes, the retina rips (retinal tear) or pulls away from the back of the eye (retinal detachment).
• Rapid eye movements or involuntary eye movements are often called nystagmus and can affect one or both eyes.
• It’s common to see someone with red, bloodshot eyes after a night out.
• One area where alcohol exerts a significant impact is on your vision.

Treatments for alcoholic eyes will depend on the condition in question. For example, dry eye may be treated with artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or ointments. Cataracts may warrant monitoring until cataract surgery is needed. Glaucoma can be managed with medications, laser therapy, or surgery.

• If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, a professional alcohol detox program can assist you on the road to sobriety.
• It can also impair color perception and peripheral vision, decrease contrast sensitivity, and cause abnormal or rapid eye movements.
• ToleranceEveryone has a different tolerance for alcohol; you may be different from someone else who drinks the same amount.
• Did you know that alcohol affects not only your liver and brain but also your eyes?

This discomfort is from eye fatigue and strain caused by alcohol. The eyes work harder to compensate for their reduced efficiency, leading to strain. If you find yourself squinting or closing your eyes frequently due to discomfort, it’s a sign that alcohol is affecting your ocular health. Managing your alcohol intake can help alleviate these symptoms and protect your eyes from further strain. Your overall visual performance may be altered since drinking heavily impairs brain function.