Held during the month of February, Feb Fast is an annual health and wellness challenge that encourages Aussies to give booze the boot for 28 days, while also fundraising to support programs run by Lifeline and Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS).
While enjoying a drink or two in moderation may feel harmless, excessive consumption of alcohol can have significant and devastating effects on not just your overall wellbeing, but also your eye health.
Alarmingly, the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) research, found that more than one in four adults aged 18 years and over exceeded the recommended guideline for alcohol consumption.
To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, the Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommend that healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day.
Here is how your eye health can be affected by alcohol.
Short-term effects of alcohol on vision
Ever noticed blurry vision or an inability to focus after a few drinks?
This is because alcohol consumption can affect the muscles responsible for controlling your eyes, making it harder to focus.
Another common effect is reduced peripheral vision. Alcohol slows reaction times and impairs the ability to detect objects or movements in your side vision. This is why driving under the influence is so dangerous.
Additionally, alcohol dehydrates the body, including the eyes, causing them to feel dry, irritated and uncomfortable. This dehydration effect can exacerbate feelings of visual strain and discomfort.
Finally, drinking alcohol can cause your pupils to dilate, increasing sensitivity to light. As a result, you may find brightly lit environments more uncomfortable or experience glare more acutely.
Long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption
Chronic, heavy drinking can lead to more severe and lasting impacts on your eye health.
It can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamin A and Thiamine (vitamin B1), both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy vision.
Prolonged deficiencies can lead to serious conditions, such as:
- Damage to the optic nerve (optic neuropathy), potentially causing permanent vision loss
- Exacerbate or increase the risk of conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma, which can both lead to vision loss if untreated
Some studies have linked heavy alcohol consumption to a higher risk of developing cataracts, a condition that clouds the lens of your eye and impairs vision.
Protecting your eye health
How much you drink is your choice, but drinking is never free of risk. The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol is.
If you do choose to consume alcohol, the Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommend the following for healthy adults:
- No more than 10 standard drinks per week
- No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day
- No alcohol for those aged under 18 years
- There is no safe level of drinking currently recommended during preconception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
If you do choose to drink alcohol, balance it by drinking water throughout the day – and in between alcoholic beverages – and opting for foods rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and Oomega-3 fatty acids which can help counteract some of the nutritional deficits caused by alcohol consumption.
It’s also essential for all Australians to schedule regular eye exams with their trusted optometrist as they can detect early signs of alcohol-related eye conditions.
By being mindful of your drinking habits and prioritising your overall wellness, including regular eye exams and a balanced diet, you can help protect your eyes for years to come.
Aussies can join the Feb Fast campaign here.
Optometry Australia recommends that every Australian, from the time they start primary school, visit their trusted optometrist every year until age 18, then every two years as an adult for a comprehensive eye examination.
People over 65 years of age, or anyone with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as those with a history of eye disease, should have more frequent exams.
About Lifeline
Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
About Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS)
One of Australia’s largest youth-specific community service organisations, YSAS supports over 5,000 young people and families each year through its youth alcohol and other drugs, mental health and criminal justice programs.
