Alcohol Use & Vision | National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

A few too many cocktails may leave you with a headache and other symptoms of a hangover the next day, but did you know that alcohol use can also lead to vision issues?

​January 22 is the start of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, and it’s a good opportunity to understand how alcohol use can affect your eyes.
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Short-Term Effects Of Alcohol On The Eyes

​Having a few alcoholic drinks occasionally may not cause any serious vision problems. Depending on how many drinks you have though, you may experience some temporary effects on your eyes.
 
How many drinks it takes to start feeling visual effects can vary. People metabolize alcohol at different rates. Factors such as your body weight, how fast you drink, and whether you drink on a full or empty stomach affect how alcohol is absorbed and when you start to notice the effects.
 
Either way, if you drink enough, you are sure to notice some changes. Alcohol impacts everything from your central nervous system to your digestive system. It’s no wonder that it could also affect your eyes and vision. Some of the possible short-term effects of alcohol use include the following:
 
Slowed Pupil Reaction
Alcohol use affects how fast your iris dilates and constricts, which can slow your pupil reaction. A delayed pupil reaction may interfere with how well you adapt to changes in light, such as oncoming headlights.
 
Blurred or Double Vision
We all know alcohol can impair brain function if you drink too much. It slows communication between your brain and your eyes. Drinking can lead to double or blurred vision.
 
Increased Dry Eyes
Alcohol is dehydrating. Even if you do not get drunk, it can contribute to dry eyes or make the condition worse.
 
Bloodshot Eyes
One of the most common short-term changes to the eyes from overindulgence in alcohol is bloodshot eyes. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels in the eyes, which makes them look redder and bigger.
 
Fortunately, the short-term effects to the eyes from occasionally drinking too much alcohol are only temporary. For example, some of the effects to the eyes clear up when the alcohol is out of your system. However, if alcohol abuse develops, it can lead to lasting problems with the eyes and vision.
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Chronic Alcohol Use & The Eyes

​Chronic alcohol abuse has many adverse effects on the body, including the eyes. Alcohol abuse can impact the eyes in the following ways:
 
Vitamin Deficiency
Chronic alcohol abuse affects the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins. Many of the nutrients that may not get absorbed properly are needed for healthy vision. It’s common for people with alcohol abuse to develop a deficiency in vitamin B-1 or vitamin A. Both nutrients are vital for eye health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness. It can also contribute to thinning and drying of the cornea. 
 
Optic Neuropathy
Alcohol use can have toxic effects on the body. Over time, alcohol abuse may lead to damage to the optic nerve and a condition called toxic optic neuropathy. Toxic optic neuropathy is thought to develop as a result of exposure to certain toxic substances and nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol abuse is a risk factor for the condition. In people that have alcoholism, the increased risk may be due to nutritional deficiencies, as opposed to the toxic effects of the alcohol. Symptoms of optic neuropathy include gradual vision loss over days or weeks. It can lead to complete blindness if not treated promptly.
 
Potential Increased Risk of Certain Eye Diseases
Although research is not conclusive, some studies indicate that alcoholism may increase a person’s risk of developing eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
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Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

​If you enjoy a cold beer or a nice glass of wine from time to time, you don’t have to worry about it harming your vision. In most cases, an alcoholic beverage can be enjoyed without long-lasting adverse effects on vision. The key is moderation. Remember, alcohol is a drug, and it affects various organ symptoms throughout the body. That can include the eyes. Alcohol abuse can even eventually lead to vision loss.
 
If you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol, help is available. Support groups, addiction treatment centers, and 12-step programs may be beneficial for someone that needs help. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is a good resource for more information.
 
Regardless of your drinking habits, getting regular eye exams is also an important part of keeping your eyes healthy. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
 
We hope our post provided you with some helpful information on how alcohol affects the eyes. Thanks for reading!