Excessive Alcohol Use: How It Damages Your Eyes

Types of ALD include alcohol-related cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis and alcohol-related steatohepatitis. There may be an association between increased alcohol consumption and geographic atrophy, a form of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, simply reducing alcohol intake may not be enough to prevent geographic atrophy.

Possible short-term effects on eyes

By routinely visiting an eye doctor and following their recommendations for managing these conditions, individuals can minimize the impact that alcohol has on their vision. It is essential to understand that the occasional instance of blurry vision after drinking alcohol is likely temporary and not a cause for concern. However, if blurry vision persists or worsens over time, it is important to seek medical attention. This could indicate an underlying vision problem or the potential development of long-term complications due to alcohol abuse.

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It is a symptom where you find you’re having trouble seeing things as sharply as you usually can, with items appearing somewhat fuzzy in one or both eyes. Migraine attacks sometimes involve an aura, which can cause blurry vision and flashing lights. Treatment will depend on the underlying reason for the inflammation but may include antibiotic, blurry vision day after drinking antiviral, or antifungal medication in the form of eye drops or pills. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can affect the retina, causing vision to become blurry. Blunt eye trauma is the most common cause, although other factors, such as infection, can lead to hyphema. A concussion occurs when a person experiences an injury to the head.

• Also referred to as tobacco-alcohol amblyopia, people who drink or smoke in excess can develop optic neuropathy, though it is rare.
• If you have sudden vision loss or severe eye pain, contact 911 or your local emergency services.
• Blurry vision after drinking alcohol is a common symptom of alcohol intoxication.

Questions your doctor may ask about blurry vision

After drinking, tears can contain traces of alcohol, which can further trigger inflammation and cause damage to the eyes. In the short-term, overconsumption of alcohol can result in blurry or double vision. It can cut down on your peripheral vision as well, resulting in tunnel vision. When someone spends a night drinking too much, the brain has trouble communicating with every part of the body including the eyes.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If you only have a glass or two a night you probably don’t have to worry about your vision becoming permanently lost due to alcohol. But if you exceed the recommended guidelines of alcohol consumption and are often binge drinking, you could be putting your vision and eyesight in serious danger. The duration of blurry vision after drinking varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed and individual metabolism. In most cases, the blurry vision will subside as the alcohol is metabolized and eliminated from the body, usually within a few hours. It is important to note that the effects of alcohol on vision can vary depending on the individual.

Bloodshot Eyes

Choose sunglasses that block out both UVA and UVB light. If these strategies don’t work, you can also ask your doctor about antihistamine eye drops. Some are available over the counter (OTC), and others require a prescription.

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But it is the long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption you should be more concerned with. Aside from alcohol’s effects on vision and eyes, it has been long known that excessive alcohol can have lasting detrimental effects on the body as a whole. This occurs if you’ve been staring at your computer for too long. With your eye muscles weary, the result may be suddenly blurred distance vision. Other symptoms that may accompany digital eye strain include headache, dry eyes, and even neck and muscle aches. This is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that can cause symptoms, including blurry vision, that can last from minutes to about a day.

• Alcohol affects the central nervous system, including the optic nerves, which can lead to temporary blurred vision.
• Call and speak to a caring professional at Anabranch Recovery Center, located in Terre Haute, Indiana.
• Remember, though, that sudden changes to your eyesight aren’t normal.