If they suspect impaired driving, law enforcement officers will use the eyes as part of a field sobriety test. Drinking too much alcohol can contribute to eye fatigue and strain, as you work to see clearly despite the negative impact on eyesight caused by drinking. A number of studies link increased risk of cataracts to high levels of alcohol consumption compared to those who either don’t drink or drink only in moderation. Heavy drinking over time can cause weight gain, which might result in the appearance of a double chin. However, if your double vision doesn’t go away once you have sobered up, it may indicate a more serious issue in the eye.

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This is due to the decreased production of tears caused by alcohol, which can lead to an itchy, burning sensation in the eyes. Additionally, alcohol consumption can cause the eyes to become more prone to infection, as the decreased production of tears can interfere with the body’s natural defenses. Alcohol-related puffiness is more than just a cosmetic concern—it’s often a visible sign of the toll alcohol takes on the body. While the effects can be alarming, recovery offers hope for both physical and emotional healing. At GBAC, we offer compassionate, competent counsel to help you overcome alcoholism and regain control of your life. Whether you need expert counselling, personalized addiction treatment programs, or continuous support, our staff is here to help you every step of the journey.

Alcoholic Eyes – How Alcohol Impacts Your Eyes

That’s a common eye condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and obscures vision. Cataracts are relatively more common in heavy drinkers than in moderate or non-drinkers. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to the development or worsen the symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD).

• Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
• This can include blinking, visual clarity, and other more serious vision problems.

Systemic Diseases

• Other criteria for a person to have a migraine diagnosis include nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light or noise.
• Ophthalmology also explores how certain factors can impact the eye – including alcohol.
• Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out toxins, which can help prevent blood vessel dilation and reduce red eyes.
• Additionally, alcoholism also disrupts neurological connections to the eye and disturbs optical nerve health.
• Symptoms may include difficulty focusing on objects, eye strain, and a strong sense of heaviness in the eyes.

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. While this might seem like a minor issue, frequent alcohol consumption can lead to lasting damage in these blood vessels, exacerbating the red appearance.

It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after drinking alcohol. This will help to keep the eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of dryness and irritation. Drinking can cause short- and long-term challenges with eye health and vision, including a condition known as dry eye https://www.siamgardenorlando.com/sober-living/how-long-does-fentanyl-stay-in-your-system-half/ disease (DED). If you experience any vision changes or eye problems after drinking alcohol, get immediate medical attention from an eye doctor.

Is Alcohol Bad for Your Skin?

Prior to joining Amethyst, she served as the Director of Enforcement for a state regulatory body. The result is telangiectasias, or permanent spider veins, in the face, neck, and chest. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks for women or 5 or more drinks for men on one occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men. Without proper tear function, your eyes become dry, and you’re less likely to blink away debris or clear out bacteria and viruses that may lead to infection.

For this reason, dry eyes are particularly problematic with chronic alcohol abuse. When someone drinks alcohol, it slows down the rate at which neurotransmitters are firing in his or her brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that communicate information throughout the brain and the body.

Recognizing and addressing this risk can prevent severe visual impairment and maintain eye health. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the central part of the eye called the retina, causing blurry or distorted vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss that affects 47% of people over the age of 85. The American Academy of Ophthalmology concludes that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of early age-related macular degeneration. The best way to relieve the pain or discomfort in your eyes after drinking alcohol is to stay hydrated.

Electrolyte Drinks: Replenishing Vital Minerals

If alcohol is involved, this symptom is a clear-cut red flag of alcohol abuse and addiction. Get the help you need and enroll in a treatment program now to begin your healing journey. Underlying medical conditions can also increase one’s risk of developing a red rash after drinking alcohol. People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or psoriasis may be more likely to experience an adverse reaction when exposed to alcohol.

This marijuana addiction result was “independent of smoking, hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disease history” 8. The astringent properties of witch hazel do a great pick-me-up job when your eyes need a little outside help to looks bright and lively again. Soak cotton balls in witch hazel extract and hold over the eyes for 10 minutes.

Pupils won’t be able to dilate or constrict appropriately in response to changes in light conditions. In this situation, your ability to see colors and shades becomes impeded. Because alcohol affects your sleep, you may also notice under-eye circles the day after drinking (10). Alcohol can cause your face to become temporarily red and flushed (3).

Comprehensive Residential Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

This blurry vision hangover will help keep your skin supple and soft, as well as preventing further irritation from occurring. Light drinking, however, doesn’t appear to have much impact, and drinking alcohol isn’t thought to impact the late stages of AMD. Without adequate tears, you’re exposed to a higher risk of eye infections and inflammation, including abrasion of the corneal surface and vision loss. Not to mention, eye dryness decreases your quality of life as it can be pretty uncomfortable.