Most people are aware of the more obvious benefits that lowering your alcohol consumption can have … As the charity behind Dry January, Alcohol Change UK say on the website, participants of Dry January will: “See your skin get brighter, your wallet fuller, your days busier. Feel your step get bouncier, your mind calmer, your mornings fresher.”
Research published in 2018, conducted by the Royal Free Hospital and published in the British Medical Journal, found that a month off alcohol:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces diabetes risk
- Lowers cholesterol
- Reduces levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood
But what about the links with your eye health?
Whilst moderate alcohol consumption doesn’t usually have long-term effects on your eyes, it is crucial to be aware of the short-term and long-term effects that excessive drinking can have on your vision and overall eye health, and thus understand how alcohol consumptions impacts your eyes.
How does alcohol affect your eyes?
Alcohol is a toxin that stay in the body until the liver can clear it. Directly impacting the eyes, alcohol has the capacity to dilate blood vessels and influence the collaborative functioning of the eyes and brain, essential for image perception. Over an extended period, alcohol may disrupt the absorption of crucial nutrients vital for maintaining optimal eye health, for example vitamin A.
You might notice that drinking large amounts of alcohol may lead to the following:
Puffy Eyes
It is common to notice that your eyes are more puffy after drinking alcohol, as alcohol causes bloating. Alcohol also disrupts your natural sleep cycle, and a lack of sleep can lead to puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
Bloodshot Eyes
This happens because alcohol causes blood vessels to relax and expand, increasing blood flow. These swollen blood vessels can lead to red eyes and irritation.
Yellow Eyes
In extreme cases, when excessive alcohol consumption has caused alcoholic hepatitis, the whites of the eyes can appear yellow. The liver disease leads to jaundice when the liver can no longer clear the build-up of old red blood cells from the body. The result is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Consuming alcohol has implications for both the body and the brain, with persistent heavy drinking potentially leading to lasting health effects, including impacts on eyesight. To minimise health risks associated with alcohol consumption, it is recommended to adhere to the guidelines provided by the NHS. This guidance suggests a regular intake of no more than 14 units per week, incorporating several alcohol-free days and spreading the consumption across multiple days.
Short-Term Effects on Eyesight
Blurry Vision
Alcohol interferes with eye muscle coordination, making it harder to focus on objects.
Double Vision
Communication between the eye and brain is affected, leading to distorted images.
Difficulty Adjusting to Light
Pupils react more slowly under alcohol influence, causing challenges in adapting to bright or dark lighting.
Lower contrast sensitivity
Distinguishing between colors becomes harder.
Long-Term Effects on Eyesight
Chronic Dry Eyes
Alcohol affects your eyes’ ability to lubricate themselves effectively with tears. This can cause dry eyes as a short-term side effect, but with sustained heavy drinking this can develop into a chronic condition. Symptoms include blurred vision, discomfort, and irritation.
Eye Conditions Associated with Sight Loss
Heavy alcohol intake reduces oxygen to the eye and affects how the body absorbs the nutrients it needs for health. Eye conditions that can be more likely or worsen through long-term alcohol abuse include:
Cataracts
Clouding of the eye lens, with heavy drinkers being more prone to development.
Nystagmus
Involuntary rapid eye movements influenced by alcohol’s impact on the brain and eye muscles.
Macular Degeneration
Increased risk of early-onset macular degeneration with moderate or heavy alcohol consumption.
Optic Neuropathy
Painless loss of vision associated with chronic alcohol use.
Remember, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, following recommended alcohol guidelines, and seeking professional advice when needed contribute to preserving your eyesight and overall health.
If you’re struggling with your drinking, please take a look at the NHS Alcohol Advice page.
If you’re struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above, and in particular Dry Eye, please mention this to your Optometrist on your next visit to Brownbills Optometrists.
You, and your eyes, deserve the best care!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can alcohol cause blindness?
Long-term excessive alcohol use is associated with eye conditions that can lead to loss of vision. Alcohol affects the optic nerve and hinders nutrient absorption necessary for eye health.
Why do my eyes hurt after drinking?
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, dehydrating the body and eyes. This can lead to discomfort and irritation, contributing to dry eyes.
Can alcohol increase eye pressure?
In low to moderate amounts, alcohol may temporarily lower eye pressure. Heavy drinking has not been conclusively linked to an increased risk of glaucoma.
Will my eyesight improve if I stop drinking?
Short-term effects, like blurred vision, should subside within 24 hours of stopping drinking. Embracing responsible drinking practices is essential for overall well-being, including eye health.