Alcoholic Eyes: Understanding Some of the Telltale Signs of Alcohol Abuse

After indulging in a few drinks with your friends, you notice their eyes start telling the story of your night. A few more drinks in, and their eyes are glassy, red, and puffy. 

You know drinking can wreak havoc on the appearance of your eyes, but what do these changes mean –– and are they dangerous?

In this article, you’ll learn about alcoholic eyes, how to reverse the effects, how chronic alcohol use can lead to sight-threatening diseases, and where to find the help you need to restore your physical and mental health.

Table of Contents

• What Are Alcoholic Eyes?
• What Do Alcohol Eyes Look Like?
• Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Eyes
• How Do You Get Rid of Drinker’s Eyes?
• Dove Recovery Is Here To Help Restore Your Physical and Mental Health

Alcoholic eyes, also known as alcohol eyes or drinker’s eyes, are a temporary visible sign of intoxication. Heavy or chronic alcohol use can have adverse effects on the brain and nervous system, causing physical changes in the eye’s appearance. Alcoholic eyes can be an indicator that someone may have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Alcohol eyes are evidence of excessive alcohol consumption, shown through the change in a person's eyes. Drinking alcohol can cause the eyes to become bloodshot or red, glassy, or puffy. These symptoms may be temporary and can be caused by heavy or chronic alcohol use.

Heavy use of alcohol can have adverse effects on your body, and some of these effects can be seen in the eyes. 

The most common effects of alcoholic eyes include:

• Bloodshot eyes – Alcohol in the bloodstream causes blood vessels to expand, creating redness.
• Dark circles or puffiness – Drinking can cause dehydration, affect sleep, and give the eyes a tired look.
• Yellowing eyes – This is a telltale sign of liver disease, caused by long-term alcohol consumption.
• Glassy eyes – Alcohol can lead to less blinking, creating a glass-like sheen on the eye’s surface.

Other symptoms of alcoholic eyes include:

• Eye irritation
• Dry eyes
• Eye twitching
• Slow reaction
• Drooping eyelids

Are you or someone you know frequently showing signs of alcoholic eyes? This may be a sign of AUD, and it may be time to seek help. Dove Recovery is proud to offer empathetic alcohol rehab in Columbus, Ohio. Contact us today to begin the road to recovery.

Although the appearance of alcohol eyes may be temporary, continuous alcohol use can lead to long-term effects on the eyes and vision. Chronic alcohol consumption may result in the development of sight-threatening diseases.

Sight-Threatening Diseases

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing cloudiness. The Blue Mountains Eye Study revealed that consumption over the standard of two alcoholic beverages a day is associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of cataracts.

Alcohol increases the production of free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage the protein in the lens. With extra production, the body’s ability to detoxify free radicals can’t keep up, causing an imbalance. This stress on the eyes is a significant factor in causing cataracts.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects the eyes to the brain. 9 to 12% of blindness is caused by glaucoma. Findings from a 2-step analysis of UK Biobank participants showed that alcohol consumption was “consistently and adversely associated with glaucoma.” 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the central part of the eye called the retina, causing blurry or distorted vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss that affects 47% of people over the age of 85. The American Academy of Ophthalmology concludes that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of early age-related macular degeneration. 

Systemic Diseases

People who have systemic disease should avoid drinking alcohol. Consumption may worsen a person’s prior diagnosis or increase the chance of developing a serious eye disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A person diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy (DR) may worsen their visual acuity by consuming alcohol. DR is a serious eye condition that affects the red blood cells behind a person’s eyes. This can result in blurry vision or blindness. 

Alcohol abuse can make it difficult for a person to control their diabetes due to causing acute elevation in blood sugar levels. Poor glycemic control may increase the chances of worsening diabetic retinopathy.

Optic Neuropathy

Toxic optic neuropathy (TON) is another potential complication caused by long-term alcohol consumption. Exposure to toxins, such as alcohol, can permanently damage the optic nerve and impair a person’s vision. Chronic alcohol abuse may lead to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, which can also contribute to the development of TON. This condition can be painless and progressive, and typically affects both eyes.

Symptoms of toxic optic neuropathy include:

• Changes in color vision
• Blind spots in vision
• Troubling seeing in a typical field of view
• Difficulty seeing in the dark

Ocular Surface Disease

Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to the development or worsen the symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD). This group of disorders affects the outermost layer that covers the cornea and conjunctiva, called the epithelial layer. When this layer is damaged, it can cause various serious conditions to the eyes and eyelids.

Two of the most common forms of OSD are dry eye disease and blepharitis. Because of the dehydrating and inflammatory properties of alcohol, a person with an alcohol abuse disorder may develop or worsen these diseases. Consuming alcohol can lead to tear instability, tear evaporation, and a vitamin A deficiency, all of which can cause short and long-term conditions in the eyes.

Since drinker’s eyes or alcohol eyes are temporary, the effects are reversible and should go away relatively quickly. Short-term solutions consist of: 

• Cold compresses
• Eye drops
• Hydration

The most efficient and long-lasting solution is to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. 

Getting treatment for alcohol use disorder can result in brighter and clearer eyes. Dove Recovery programs can help you reverse the symptoms of alcohol eyes by treating the root of the problem. 

Sobriety can support eye health by:

• Enhancing nutrient absorption
• Lowering the risk of cataracts
• Improving cornea health
• Lowering the risk of glaucoma 

A study involving patients with open-angle glaucoma who abstained from alcohol had a 63% lower risk of severe visual impairment or blindness.

At Dove Recovery, we offer luxury outpatient programs that support a successful recovery journey. Together, we will help you reclaim your life and your eye health. 

Contact us today to find a program that helps you achieve your journey through sobriety.