How Does Alcohol Affect Eyesight? Temporary Changes vs Permanent Damage

It is also an ongoing condition that grows worse over time. Terry Hurley is a retired can alcohol affect eyesight permanently educational professional and freelance writer with more than fifty years of experience. A former reading specialist and learning center director, Terry loved her years working with children in the educational field.

Can alcoholism affect your eyesight?

Alcohol consumption affects your body in numerous ways, and your eyes are no exception. While alcoholism treatment red eyes might seem like a minor inconvenience, they’re a visible sign of how alcohol impacts your eye health. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can relieve temporary dry eye symptoms and reduce bloodshot appearance. Getting adequate rest also allows your visual system to recover from alcohol’s effects. Long-term alcohol consumption increases oxidative stress in the eye and reduces important protective antioxidants.

Progressive Damage to the Optic Nerve

Even moderate alcohol consumption may elevate the risk slightly. From bloodshot sclera to vision changes, heavy drinking often leaves visible signs in and around the eyes. People sometimes refer to these changes as “alcoholic eyes.” While the term is informal, the symptoms can point to serious health issues related to alcohol use. In the short term, alcohol abuse can cause you to suffer from temporary vision impairment. These effects can make it challenging for you to see clearly, focus on objects, or judge distances, hence increasing your risk of accidents and injuries. 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.

• This effect becomes stronger with increased alcohol intake.
• Long-term damage can lead to devastating and permanent eye conditions.
• Frequent and heavy drinking might over time cause more serious eye problems.
• Reading, driving, and recognizing faces become extremely difficult.
• In addition, alcohol has been proven to alter the ability to perceive contrast.

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As mentioned, the condition is referred to as toxic amblyopia, and it can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. If you’re dealing with social drinking, alcohol abuse, or long-term drinking alcohol, your eyes reflect your body’s overall health. Chronic alcohol use can damage your optic nerve permanently.