Even if someone has stopped drinking and appears to be getting better, they could still be in danger. Alcohol left in their stomach and intestines can continue to enter the bloodstream, potentially worsening symptoms. Alcohol poisoning can impair necessary reflexes in your body, particularly the gag reflex—which helps prevent choking on food, liquids, and saliva.
- This increased sensitivity is a direct result of alcohol’s effect on the pupils and how they react to changes in light.
- This results in inflammation and irritation, causing symptoms of dry eye.
- If you notice a glassy appearance in your eyes or a loved one’s, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder.
Is a licensed and practicing pharmacist and medical writer who specializes in different substances, the effects of substance abuse, and substance use disorder. Yes, alcohol can cause facial bloating, and there are several studies to support this. A 2014 study in the journal Clinical Endocrinology found that alcohol disrupts the body’s fluid balance, leading to water retention in the skin. This effect was observed in 52% of participants after consuming a moderate amount of alcohol.
Blurred Vision
Although some symptoms of drinking, like glassy eyes, can seem generally harmless, this isn’t always the case. Physical signs of drinking can be some of the first telltale signs of a drinking problem. An estimated 14 million adults meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder in the U.S. Individuals struggling with an AUD may not realize the level of irreversible damage being done to their body over time.
Reduced Visual Acuity
Remember, seeking help and treatment for alcohol abuse is a crucial step towards improving your overall health, including the well-being of your eyes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals and support networks who can guide you on your journey to recovery and provide the assistance you need. Over time, chronic alcohol abuse may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, vision loss, and involuntary movements of the eyes. Drinking alcohol excessively (frequently or in large amounts) can have harmful effects on your body, including your eyes. Heavy alcohol use may cause problems with your vision and overall eye health.
Understanding Alcohol Abuse and Its Effects
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. The eyes don’t just mirror the soul — they can tell a vivid story of the physical world deeper inside, particularly the liver. One signal is a distinctive toosie pink coke yellowing of the eyes known as scleral icterus. It’s a telltale sign of liver damage caused by the buildup of a substance called bilirubin that gets deposited in the whites of the eyes.
Keep reading to learn more about how alcohol and eyesight are related and how to avoid complications from alcoholic eyes. After drinking, the glassy appearance of the eyes is due to the dilation of blood vessels, making them look more prominent and giving a shiny, glazed look. One of the most visible signs of heavy drinking is the appearance of “alcoholic eyes” – a term that refers to the red, bloodshot eyes, and glassy look often seen in those who drink excessively. Alcohol abuse can cause various types of damage to the eye, even permanently damaging the optic nerve or contributing to conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma. In the short term, alcohol abuse can cause eye discomfort, blurry vision, bloodshot eyes, and sensitivity to light. If you notice a glassy appearance in your eyes or a loved one’s, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder.
Recognizing Alcoholic Eyes
Unfortunately, it is not possible to know if it will happen to you unless you are in a position where you are using a significant amount of alcohol on a consistent basis. Alcohol consumption has a profound effect on sleep, particularly on the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage, which is essential for restful sleep and cognitive functions like memory and learning. When alcohol is consumed, especially in larger quantities, it can suppress REM sleep in the first half of the night, leading to a disruption of the natural sleep cycle.
The effects of alcohol use can change the lens proteins, leading to cloudiness and reduced vision. As cataracts gets worse, people may experience blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night and sensitivity to glare, making daily tasks more difficult. Tackling alcohol abuse isn’t just about stopping the drinking; it’s about understanding why the drinking started in the first place.