Often, when we consider the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, what do we typically think about regarding health risks? Of course, the most obvious choice is cirrhosis or liver failure, as well as a string of cardiovascular problems. Additionally, we may consider how habitual and heavy drinking can lead to blood-alcohol poisoning and severe cases of brain damage due to the excessive amount of the drug in the human system. When it comes to the gender debate, we might even consider how booze affects male and female hormones and (as a result) instigates some pretty frightening changes. However, have you once considered how alcohol affects eye health? As surprising as this sounds, we don’t read a lot about this subject matter on drug websites, do we? Still, it is a bit unnerving to think so. After all, our eyes are the reason you can read this article right now. Let’s take a closer look and see how heavy drinking can affect your vision.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol
Even for a short amount of time, alcohol can wreak havoc on your ocular system (the network of your eyes and connected neural pathways). As a result, an alcohol abuser or alcoholic will experience:
- Slow pupil reaction time: Naturally, our pupils are designed to expand and contract to filter light to prevent damage to our eyes. Heavy drinkers, however, will experience a slower rate of pupil expansion and constriction.
- Decreased perception of contrast: Drinking too much alcohol can negatively impact how humans perceive contrasts between darkness and light. In fact, a study conducted by Western University (Ontario, Canada) determined that this ability decreases by 30%, even if the blood alcohol level is only a hint above normal.
- Eye twitching: Excessive drinking triggers this condition, also known as myokymia.
- Dryness: The Hallym University College of Medicine confirmed a small amount of alcohol can lead to dryness.
Long-Term Damage of Alcohol
So, we have covered the short-term problems, but what about the long-term damage? Let’s take a look at some terrifying side effects of excessive drinking on the ocular system:
- Boost in cataract formation: High alcohol consumption leads to a fast formation of cataracts.
- Increased risk of AMD: According to the American Optometric Association, heavy drinkers are at risk for AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
- Vitamin deficiency: Excessive drinking leads to vitamin deficiencies, which cause vison loss.
- Tobacco-alcohol amblyopia: Also known as optic neuropathy, this is a condition where excessive alcohol use induces painless vision loss.
- Prenatal exposure: Sadly, if a mother drinks too much alcohol while pregnant, her unborn baby will suffer from vision problems.
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.