This Alcohol Awareness Week, we're shedding light on a lesser-known consequence of excessive alcohol consumption, its long-term effects on your eyes. While most people are familiar with hangovers, headaches, and fatigue, fewer realise that alcohol can also have a lasting impact on your vision and overall eye health.
Short-Term Symptoms: More Than Just Bloodshot Eyes
After a night of drinking for example, it’s not unusual to experience symptoms like:
1. Red, bloodshot eyes due to enlarged blood vessels
2. Dry eye and irritation, caused by dehydration
3. Blurred or double vision, particularly at higher levels of intoxication
4. Reduced peripheral vision, which may temporarily impact your depth perception and awareness
While these symptoms are often temporary, they’re an early warning sign of how alcohol can interfere with your visual system.
The Long-Term Risks: Damage You Can’t See Until It’s Too Late
Chronic alcohol use doesn’t just affect the liver and brain; it can also lead to serious and potentially irreversible damage to your eyes.
Cataracts
Alcohol abuse is linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts, the clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes blurred and hazy vision. While cataracts are often age-related, heavy drinking can accelerate their development.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Alcohol can worsen oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes, contributing to early onset age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the UK.
What Can You Do?
1. Drink in moderation, following national guidelines.
2. Stay hydrated before and after consuming alcohol.
3. Listen to your eyes, redness, dryness, or vision changes could be a sign to cut back.
4. Get regular eye exams, especially if you drink frequently or have noticed changes in your vision.
Your vision is too valuable to risk. This Alcohol Awareness Week, take a moment to consider the hidden impact of alcohol on your eyes, not just today, but in the years ahead.
If you're experiencing changes in your vision, or want to learn more about maintaining eye health, book an eye test at your local Optical Express.
Book your free cataract consultation today