We all know that drinking alcohol can make you tipsy, jolly and gives you a slurred speech to name a few effects. Did you know that excessive drinking of alcohol can have implications on your eyesight and other parts of your body.
Here is our list of short term and long term effects of drinking excessive alcohol on your eyesight.
Short Term Effects of Alcohol on your Eyesight:
1. Decreased Visual Performance
Drinking heavily impairs the brain function which results in an altered vision. This is due to alcohol slowing the communication between the brains neurotransmitters. This may cause blurred vision or double vision due to weakened eye muscles hence why drivers have delayed reactions.
2. Slower Pupil Reaction
Alcohol slows the speed of your iris constricting and dilating with regards to different light levels surrounding them which can cause temporary blindness. This can be an issue for drivers where headlights of oncoming cars can dazzle you.
3. Decreased Contrast Sensitivity
When under the influence of alcohol it is more difficult to distinguish between shades of grey hence driving in foggy conditions puts lives at risk.
4. Dry Eyes
A study by Hallym University College of Medicine confirms that drinking alcohol can increase the symptoms of dry eyes.
5. Eye twitching
Eye twitching (myokymia) can be triggered by exccessive alcohol consumption.
6. Migraines
Alcohol consumption can make your eyes sensitive to light which can trigger migraine headaches.
7. Eye Appearance
You are more prone to “blood shot” eyes due to alcohol dilating the blood vessels in the eye giving a prominent red appearance.
Long Term Effects of Alcohol on your Eyesight:
1. Increased Risk of Eye Disorders
Numerous studies have shown that a heavy drinker is more likely to develop cataract and age related macular degeneration.
2. Impaired Vision due to Vitamin Deficiency
Heavy drinking can cause liver damage. When the liver gets damaged, the body has difficulty in absorbing vitamins therefore causing vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B1 deficiency due to alcohol intake causes paralysis and weakness of eye muscles whereas vitamin A due to excessive alcohol drinking causes reduced night vision, thinning of cornea, dry eyes and retinal damage.
3. Optic Neuropathy
Also known as tobacco alcohol amblyopia. Excessive drinkers can develop this condition where the optic nerve is damaged resulting in a painless loss of vision.
4. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Mothers that drink excess alcohol whilst pregnant put their babies at risk with vision difficulties.
As with all things, drink alcohol moderately and never drink and drive. If you need any assistance with your home eyecare needs contact us today.
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