What Are "Alcoholic Eyes?"

The Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov once said, “The tongue may hide the truth but the eyes — never!” As humans, we start “speaking” with our eyes long before we even know what words are. From the “shared gaze” of infants and their caregivers to the connection we feel when looking into the eyes of a romantic partner, one of the main ways we connect to others is through sight. It’s no wonder that anything powerful enough to affect our body and mind — like alcohol — will leave an imprint on something as sensitive as our eyes.

While some of alcohol’s effects are a temporary nuisance, others can persist when we drink heavily for a long period of time. You may have heard of the so-called “alcohol eyes” or "alcoholic eyes." Although this isn't a medical term, it describes a set of symptoms that stem from the physical effects of alcohol on the body. Let’s see what these symptoms look like and get a clear vision of what an alcohol-free life can mean for our eye health.

Short-Term Effects: As the World Gets Blurry

When we drink, alcohol affects many systems of the body, some of which change the way our eyes look and feel.

• Bloodshot eyes. Alcohol dilates our blood vessels, including the ones in our eyes (our ocular blood vessels). This causes the whites of our eyes to get red and bloodshot. This effect — known as vasodilation — manifests in other ways as well. It’s responsible for the warm skin and flushed appearance that are telltale effects of booze in our system.

• Dilated pupils. At the neurological level, alcohol initially stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the pupils to dilate. This autonomic response also makes us more sensitive to light — and could be one of the many reasons why bars are kept dark.‍
• Changes in visual processing. Alcohol also alters neurotransmitter signaling, affecting how our eyes move and respond to stimuli. In addition to slowing impulses from our eyes to our brain, it interferes with the muscles controlling eye movement. This can lead to double vision or rapid eye fluttering.‍
• Dryness. We often hear about the dehydrating effects of alcohol. That’s because alcohol inhibits the secretion of vasopressin, a hormone that regulates our urge to urinate. This causes the kidneys to send more water directly to the bladder, leading to extra bathroom trips. When the dehydrating effect reaches our eyes, they get dry and itchy, and when we rub them we only irritate them further.

Unfocused gaze, slower pupil reactions, and inability to track objects smoothly are all visual cues of intoxication. We can often spot these telltale “alcoholic eyes” right away when looking at someone who has had a few too many. These changes are the result of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system. They tend to be pretty obvious, signaling that the brain is under the influence.

Long-Term Effects: A Deeper Look

Someone who drinks a lot on a regular basis might be looking at more serious eye changes, some of which are clear signs that the body is struggling to process the amount of alcohol it’s tasked with. Let’s go over a few.

Shades of Yellow

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 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.

Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of the liver doing its job breaking down red blood cells. Normally, the liver — a sophisticated waste management system — processes bilirubin and eliminates it from the body. But with alcohol in the picture, the liver gets overwhelmed, and bilirubin starts accumulating in places it shouldn't — like our skin and the whites of our eyes.

Over time, the liver cells get damaged, leading to fatty deposits, inflammation, and scarring — all of which hinder its ability to process bilirubin. The result? A yellow warning sign in our eyes indicating liver distress. Heed this warning! It’s important to note that the yellow tint — harmless as it may seem at first glance — is really the liver’s cry for help. Addressing this warning sign often involves taking a break from booze to give the liver much-needed time to heal. Sometimes medical interventions to support liver recovery and manage bilirubin levels are necessary.

Vision Difficulties

Vision difficulties might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about the long-term effects of alcohol on our health, but they’re worth taking note of early, before the damage gets worse. Here are some of the problems we’re likely to encounter:

• Nutrient deficiency and vision. Alcohol is notorious for interfering with the absorption of nutrients, including those vital for eye health, such as vitamins A and B. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining night vision and overall eye health, while the B vitamins play a key role in nerve function. Not having enough of these vitamins can weaken our vision, make it harder for our eyes to adapt to darkness, and make the world seem a bit more blurry overall.
• Muscular coordination and double vision. The eyes are masters of muscular coordination, with several incredibly dexterous muscles working in sync to focus and move the eyes. Alcohol dampens the nervous system's control over these muscles, leading to double vision (diplopia) or involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). This feels like having a wonky camera lens that refuses to focus — making our window to the world seem foggy.
• Contrast sensitivity. Alcohol affects our ability to distinguish between different shades of light and dark, a visual function known as contrast sensitivity. This can make it particularly difficult to make our way around in low-light conditions, turning every evening, dimly lit room, or nighttime drive into a maze.
• Peripheral vision problems. Chronic alcohol use can also cause tunnel vision by narrowing our field of view and reducing the breadth of our vision. This isn't just about missing out on the beauty in the corners — it's a serious safety hazard that affects everything from driving to simply moving around safely.

Treatment and Recovery: Clearing the Fog

So far, we've seen that "alcoholic eyes" can refer to a range of symptoms, each related to alcohol's extensive impact on the body. Fortunately, there’s hope for recovering our eye health. Let's look at what we can do about it.

Short-Term Solutions

If you find that a night of overindulgence leads to short-term eye issues the morning after, there are a few things you can try. While these problems are usually temporary, knowing how to address them can make all the difference in turning your day around.

• Hydration is key. Before reaching for the eye drops, grab a glass of water. Booze dehydrates your entire body, including your eyes. Rehydrating helps replenish lost fluids and can alleviate eye dryness and redness. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day to gradually restore hydration levels — this will help with any other hangover-related issues, too.‍
• Get some rest. Even if you’re buzzing with energy and itching to binge watch your favorite TV show, it’s probably a good idea to call it a day and go to bed. Your eyes, just like the rest of your body, need plenty of rest to recover. A good night's sleep or even a short nap can work wonders when it comes to reducing redness and irritation. So give your eyes a break, and allow them the time they need to heal.‍
• Try a cool compress. For quick relief from redness and swelling, nothing beats a cool compress. Grab a clean cloth, soak it in cool water, and gently place it over your closed eyes. The coolness causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing the inflammation caused by irritation and vasodilation. It’s the same principle as putting ice on your ankle after a sprain — plus, it feels like a mini spa treatment!‍
• Get some eye drops. When you need a quick fix, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can be lifesavers for dry, irritated eyes. They help moisten the eyes and flush out any irritants. Just a drop or two, and you’ll feel like you've hit the refresh button.‍
• Remember your sunglasses. If you're stepping out, don't forget to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will still be dilated for a while, which reduces their ability to naturally protect themselves from bright sunlight.‍
• Eat for eye health. Maintaining overall eye health can make alcohol’s effects less apparent, and diet is a crucial factor. Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients, focusing on foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Carefully plan an eye-focused diet, and, when in doubt, speak with a doctor or nutritionist about your goals.‍
• Moderate your intake. Moderating your drinking and being mindful of alcohol’s effects can help you avoid extra strain on your eyes and prevent the redness, puffiness, and dryness that often come after a night out.

Long-Term Solutions

While the long-term effects of chronic alcohol use on vision can be daunting, the body is remarkably resilient, so there’s always room for change. Addressing alcohol-related vision issues often involves a two-step approach: 1) cutting back or eliminating booze and 2) seeking medical intervention to manage and mitigate its effects.

• Nutritional healing. Replenishing the body with the nutrients it has been missing is a vital step. You might need to tweak your diet or take supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
• Medical evaluation. Regular checkups with an eye doctor are key to monitoring and treating any damage that alcohol has done. A qualified physician can assess the extent of damage and explore treatments or corrective measures, from prescription lenses to therapies aimed at improving muscle coordination.
• Lifestyle adjustments. Beyond medical treatment, adjusting to a lifestyle that supports eye health — including adequate rest, hydration, and protective eyewear — can help manage and improve vision problems.
• Realistic goals. Whether it's reducing intake or quitting altogether, set achievable goals and celebrate progress. A community (such as Reframe) can work wonders in helping you find motivation and inspiration to keep going on your journey!

The Big Picture: Alcohol's Broader Impact

While our focus today is on the eyes, it's crucial to recognize that they're just one part of the story. Chronic alcohol use affects multiple organs and can lead to a cascade of health issues ranging from heart problems and digestive issues to mental health challenges, sleep disturbances, and even brain damage.

While the concept of "alcoholic eyes" reflects one aspect of the effects of alcohol, the broader picture is important to keep in mind as well. With the right knowledge and support, turning the page to a healthier chapter is entirely possible! Stay curious, stay informed, and give your eyes (and the rest of your body!) the care they deserve and the opportunity to thrive.