If you have ever experienced eye pain after drinking alcohol, you might already know some of the ways in which this substance can be dangerous toward your body. The combination of alcohol and eye pain is an indicator that something is not quite right. On the other hand, chronic alcohol consumption will negatively affect the entire body. For example, if you notice the whites of the eyes are turning yellow, this is actually not an eye condition. Rather, this is a liver issue called jaundice which may indicate alcoholic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.
How may alcohol affect the eyes?
Several other health issues can also result from long-term heavy drinking. Short-term effects may result from intoxication, which people often describe as “being drunk.” This occurs when alcohol affects the central nervous system. A person can become intoxicated even with moderate drinking and may experience temporary disturbances to their vision. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is a progressive eye condition. Understanding the potential risks of alcohol consumption concerning AMD is fundamental for promoting eye health and making better lifestyle choices. Studies suggest alcohol in excess can trigger inflammation, deplete essential nutrients, and lead to adverse health effects.
Alcoholic Eyes
From the “shared gaze” of infants and their caregivers to the connection we feel when looking into the eyes of a romantic partner, one of the main ways we connect to others is through sight. It’s no wonder that anything powerful enough to affect our body and mind — like alcohol — will leave an imprint on something as sensitive as our eyes. One of the reasons this occurs is because alcohol use can make the blood vessels in your eyes swell or even burst. Dry eyes are a common symptom from any type of alcoholic beverage, including wine.
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If you or a loved one need support to cut back or stop drinking alcohol, get in touch with your GP. The NHS provides more information about getting support to stop drinking. Your muscles might not move as effectively while you are under the influence of alcohol. When this happens, you may have blurred vision or double vision due to weakened eye-muscle coordination. Alcohol flush is a type of alcohol intolerance that happens because of an enzyme mutation in the body. People who experience this side effect have a mutation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a detoxifying acetaldehyde.
Bloodshot Eyes
- You may also be able to find alcohol addiction treatment near you by visiting the SAMHSA treatment locator.
- Even small changes can help reduce a person’s risk of developing issues with their eyes or other aspects of health.
- This comprehensive approach helps our clients regain not just their eye health but also enhances their quality of life after quitting alcohol cold turkey and overcoming alcohol dependency.
The long-term effects of alcohol on your eyes can seem daunting and sometimes feel irreversible, but it’s important not to panic. Getting help from professionals at inpatient alcohol rehab in Pennsylvania, can allow you to focus on managing your addiction while your doctors address eye health concerns early and effectively. Treatment and recovery options are accessible, offering a path to both sobriety and better eye health. It’s common to see someone with red, bloodshot eyes after a night out. Alcohol causes the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate, making them look red and sometimes feel uncomfortably itchy.
Importance of Addressing the Root Cause of Alcohol Abuse
People who keep drinking alcohol have a high risk of serious liver damage and blurry vision hangover death. Various factors can cause bloodshot eyes, including drinking alcohol or exposure to smoke or other irritants. Bloodshot eyes and pink eye are two very different conditions, though they may have similar symptoms.
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To prevent bloodshot eyes, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, for those who struggle with addiction or are in social situations where alcohol is present, avoiding it can be difficult. Now that you know what the effects of over-indulgence of alcohol and long-term excessive drinking, you will be aware of how it can affect the eye and eyesight. This is in addition to the problems arising with other organs and the health of the whole body from excessive or long-term alcohol abuse. Swelling of the blood vessels in the eye or the look of red bloodshot eyes is a common feature of those who have been lifetime drinkers. Another problem that excessive drinking leads to is migraine headaches, as the eye becomes sensitive to light; the result is pain.