Alcohol can affect your eyesight in both the short and long term. Excessive drinking interferes with how the brain and eyes work together, leading to temporary visual disturbances and in some cases, increasing the risk of permanent eye damage.
We all know that drinking alcohol can make you feel tipsy, jolly and cause slurred speech to name just a few effects. Did you know that excessive drinking of alcohol can also have implications for your eyesight and other parts of your body?
Alcohol can affect your eyesight in different ways depending on how much you drink and whether the effects are short-term or linked to long-term excessive alcohol use. Below, we explain the most common ways alcohol can affect your eyes and when you should seek professional advice.
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol can temporarily cause blurred vision, dry eyes, bloodshot eyes and slower pupil reactions.
- Long-term heavy drinking may increase the risk of cataracts, optic nerve damage and age-related macular degeneration.
- Heavy alcohol use can reduce the body's ability to absorb important vitamins that support healthy eyesight.
- Persistent blurred vision, double vision or sudden vision loss should always be assessed by an eye care professional.
- Drinking alcohol in moderation and having regular eye examinations can help protect your long-term eye health.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Eyes?
Alcohol affects both the eyes and the brain. After drinking, communication between the brain and the eye muscles becomes slower, making it harder for your eyes to focus and react quickly. Alcohol also contributes to dehydration, which can reduce tear production and make your eyes feel dry or irritated.
Short Term Effects of Alcohol on Your Eyesight
1. Decreased Visual Performance
Drinking heavily impairs brain function which results in altered vision. This occurs because alcohol slows communication between the brain’s neurotransmitters. This may cause blurred or double vision due to weakened eye muscle control, which is why drivers under the influence have delayed reactions.
2. Slower Pupil Reaction
Alcohol slows the speed at which the iris constricts and dilates in response to different light levels. This can cause temporary blindness and is particularly dangerous when driving, as oncoming headlights may dazzle the eyes.
3. Decreased Contrast Sensitivity
When under the influence of alcohol, it becomes more difficult to distinguish between shades of grey. This is why driving in foggy or low-contrast conditions while intoxicated 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 excessive alcohol consumption.
6. Migraines
Alcohol consumption can make the eyes more sensitive to light which may trigger migraine headaches.
7. Changes in Eye Appearance
Alcohol dilates blood vessels in the eyes, making you more prone to bloodshot or red eyes.
Long Term Effects of Alcohol on Your Eyesight
1. Increased Risk of Eye Disorders
Numerous studies have shown that heavy drinkers are more likely to develop cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
2. Impaired Vision Due to Vitamin Deficiency
Heavy drinking can cause liver damage which affects the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins. Vitamin B1 deficiency may lead to paralysis and weakness of eye muscles, while vitamin A deficiency can cause reduced night vision, thinning of the cornea, dry eyes and retinal damage.
3. Optic Neuropathy
Also known as tobacco–alcohol amblyopia, this condition can develop in excessive drinkers. Damage to the optic nerve can result in a painless but progressive loss of vision.
4. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
Mothers who drink excessive alcohol during pregnancy may put their babies at risk of vision and developmental difficulties.
| Eye Problem | Short-Term or Long-Term? | What Should You Do? |
|---|---|---|
| Blurred vision | Usually temporary | Avoid driving and seek advice if it continues. |
| Dry eyes | Can be temporary or ongoing | Stay hydrated and consider lubricating eye drops if recommended. |
| Bloodshot eyes | Temporary | Usually improves as alcohol leaves the body. |
| Cataracts | Long-term risk | Attend regular eye examinations. |
| Optic neuropathy | Long-term risk | Seek prompt medical advice. |
Can long-term alcohol use cause permanent vision damage?
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of permanent vision damage, particularly when linked to nutritional deficiencies and optic nerve damage. In some cases, vision loss may be irreversible if alcohol misuse continues.
As with all things, alcohol should be consumed in moderation and you should never drink and drive. If you need any assistance with your home eye care needs contact us today.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Advice?
Although blurred vision after drinking alcohol is often temporary, you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Persistent double vision
- Severe eye pain
- Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
- Blurred vision that does not improve once the effects of alcohol have worn off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alcohol affect your eyesight?
Yes, alcohol can temporarily affect your eyesight by slowing communication between your eyes and brain. Even moderate drinking can reduce your ability to focus, judge distances, track moving objects, and react quickly. You may also notice increased sensitivity to light or difficulty seeing clearly, especially in low-light conditions. These effects usually wear off as the alcohol leaves your system. Heavy or long-term alcohol use, however, may contribute to more serious eye and optic nerve problems that require medical attention.
Can alcohol cause blurry vision?
Yes, alcohol can cause temporary blurry vision. Drinking alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, which can make it harder for your eyes to focus properly. It may also reduce coordination of the eye muscles and contribute to dehydration, leading to dry eyes that make vision appear less clear. Blurry vision after drinking usually improves as the alcohol is metabolised. If blurry vision persists after sobering up or occurs frequently, it's important to have your eyes examined.
Can alcohol cause double vision?
Yes, alcohol can cause temporary double vision, particularly after consuming large amounts. Alcohol slows the central nervous system, affecting the muscles that control eye movements. When the eyes do not work together properly, you may see two images instead of one. This usually resolves once the alcohol has cleared from your system. However, persistent or sudden double vision should never be ignored, as it may indicate a more serious eye or neurological condition requiring urgent assessment.
Can alcohol cause eye floaters?
Alcohol does not directly cause eye floaters. Floaters are usually caused by natural changes in the gel inside the eye as we age. However, dehydration from drinking alcohol may make existing floaters more noticeable for some people. If you suddenly develop many new floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision, seek urgent eye care. These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment that requires immediate treatment.
Can alcohol make you go blind?
Moderate alcohol consumption does not cause blindness. However, excessive long-term drinking can damage the optic nerve through nutritional deficiencies and alcohol-related health problems, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. Drinking toxic forms of alcohol, such as methanol found in some industrial products or illegally produced spirits, can cause severe and irreversible blindness. If you experience sudden vision loss after drinking, seek emergency medical care immediately, as prompt treatment can be critical.
Does alcohol cause dry eyes?
Yes, alcohol can contribute to dry eyes. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, which may reduce tear production and affect the quality of your tear film. As a result, your eyes may feel dry, irritated, gritty, or uncomfortable after drinking. Contact lens wearers may notice these symptoms more strongly. Staying well hydrated and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce discomfort. If dry eyes are frequent or persistent, an eye examination can identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.