Most of these unpleasant effects are temporary and go away once alcohol leaves the system. These correlations may contribute to several possible complications or effects alcoholism on the eyes. It is recommended that adults in the UK have their eyes tested every two years.
- Further to this, the Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention estimate that alcohol is responsible for 10% of deaths among working age adults.
- If blindness occurs as a result of drinking, some degree of permanent vision damage is likely even if vision is restored.
- For instance, at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% to 0.05%, individuals may experience mild blurring of vision and reduced contrast sensitivity.
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- In addition to a healthy diet, adopting positive lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, quality sleep, and proper hydration can improve overall health, including eye health.
- Alcohol is a widely consumed substance, and its effects on the body are well-known.
- That means, with the proper treatment, your eye color and optical appearance will return to its original healthy-looking state the longer you go without drinking.
Call your doctor if your double vision persists longer than it should. If someone is suspected of having nystagmus, they will likely undergo a CT scan or an MRI to get a scan of the brain. Often, these rapid eye movements are due to neurological problems in the brain. This neurological condition is another way alcohol can cause eye problems.
Case 1 — “Weekend warrior” and night driving

After long-term substance abuse, toxic amblyopia will result in vision loss. The disease can take anywhere between a few days to weeks to fully develop. The main symptom of this type of alcohol blindness is blind spots in your vision that gradually get bigger.
Other Retinal Conditions
If you have AMD and are concerned about your alcohol intake, consider speaking with a doctor. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Quitting alcohol can be difficult, but a doctor can help you build a cessation plan. Some medications for AMD may interact with alcohol, which can lead to serious health effects. Make sure you understand the contraindications of your medication and whether it includes avoiding alcohol. Optimax is committed to provide the best services in eye care through the best customer experience, sophisticated technology and affordable-to-all financing. This explains why bright lights may seem extra harsh or why dark settings feel disorienting after drinking.

In lab settings, it produces nystagmus and poor gaze holding, measurable with precise eye trackers. This explains the “jittery” vision you might feel and the slower reading you notice after a drink. Register for free and gain unlimited access to the latest in optometry news and featured content.with personalized daily picks for you. There’s essential content for your practice at drunk vision the point of care onOptometry Advisor. We hope you’re enjoying the latest health care news coverage and featured content specifically for optometrists.