This article reviews how alcohol can affect vision, the possible short- and long-term effects, treatments, and more. Your muscles might not move as effectively while you are under the influence of alcohol. When this happens, you may have blurred vision or double vision due to weakened eye-muscle coordination. You may consider first reaching out to a doctor, as they may be able to help determine your medical needs and possibly refer you to treatment centers. You may also be able to find alcohol addiction treatment near you by visiting the SAMHSA treatment locator. While not everyone who binge drinks has an AUD, it can be a very significant risk factor for the development of an AUD.
Another effect of decreased reaction times is the iris taking longer to contract, which is the process of making the pupil smaller. The pupil allows light into the eye but, if the iris doesn’t contract quickly enough when exposed to bright light, it lets far too much light into the eye. Studies show that being at the legal driving limit in terms of blood alcohol level actually reduces the eye’s ability to adjust for brightness by 30%.
How Does Substance Misuse Affect the Eyes?
Blurry vision after drinking alcohol can be a common occurrence for many individuals. It is important to understand whether this effect is temporary or if it can lead to long-term consequences. In this article, we will explore the causes of blurry vision after drinking and discuss whether this effect is temporary or if it can have lasting effects on one’s vision. Have you ever wondered why your vision becomes blurry after a night of excessive drinking? It seems like a paradoxical effect, considering alcohol is a depressant that should slow down the brain’s activity rather than affecting your sight. However, the truth lies in the intricate relationship between alcohol and the various structures of our eyes.
- Short-term effects of alcohol can impair and alter vision, but excessive alcohol can greatly impact eyesight and vision, leading to a condition referred to as toxic amblyopia.
- Another effect of decreased reaction times is the iris taking longer to contract, which is the process of making the pupil smaller.
- The patient is initially unable to produce urine; however, after he receives intravenous (IV) fluids for about an hour, he is able to urinate.
- Although many alcohol-related sight conditions can destroy your vision, they are also easily treatable if identified early enough.
We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. A blackout is not the same as “passing out,” which means either falling asleep or losing consciousness from drinking too much. Our goal is to provide clients with the foundation necessary to sustain lasting and meaningful recovery. To accomplish this, our licensed counselors focus on identifying root issues, while engaging clients in an individualized treatment plan to promote steady growth and relapse prevention. The Woods at Parkside successfully treats substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders using a multi-faceted approach that takes into consideration the uniqueness of each individual.
Long-term damage
Combining alcohol with these medications can exacerbate this effect and lead to further blurry vision. It is important to note that the effects of alcohol on vision can vary depending on the individual. Factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the frequency of consumption, and the individual’s overall health can all influence how alcohol affects the eyes. Additionally, certain individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol on vision than others. Possible short-term problems relating to intoxication include blurry vision, changes in color perception, and light sensitivity.
- When a person consumes alcohol, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.
- Types of ALD include alcohol-related cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis and alcohol-related steatohepatitis.
- In this article, we will explore the causes of blurry vision after drinking and discuss whether this effect is temporary or if it can have lasting effects on one’s vision.
- On the other hand, alcoholic eye damage resulting from chronic alcohol abuse may be long-lasting or permanent.
A third side effect of drinking excessively is a condition called myokymia, also known as eyelid twitching. It can occur for a variety of reasons; anything from stress and fatigue to caffeine and dry eyes can be a trigger. The twitching usually wears off shortly after finishing drinking, but if it persists, it’s important blurry vision after drinking alcohol to get your eyes checked by an optician, as it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions. The risk of developing age-related cataracts changes based on the amount of alcohol a person drinks. An Optometry and Vision Science study found that moderate drinking may have a protective effect against cataracts.