How Alcohol and Drugs Can Affect Vision: A Guide for Individuals Coping With Addiction

It’s no secret that there are many long-term consequences of excessive drug and alcohol consumption. Despite the general acceptance of alcohol consumption, nearly 740,000 cases of cancer in last year alone were linked to alcohol usage. In addition, nearly half a million deaths worldwide are connected to drug abuse.

Some might argue that these aforementioned statistics may be linked to cases of abuse, not controlled cases of usage. However, many are finding out that even the prolonged use of alcohol and/or drugs can cause permanent damage to all aspects of your health, even your vision.

Many people are already at risk of developing health conditions that can indirectly affect eye health, and using drugs or alcohol in excess can increase those chances.

Caffeine

When caffeinated beverages are consumed in moderation, the risk of long-term vision issues is minimal.

However, according to a study done by Harvard University, people who consume excess amounts of caffeine significantly increase their chances of developing glaucoma in the long run — especially if they’re genetically predisposed to higher eye pressure and by extension, glaucoma.

Short-term effects of caffeine also include:

• Blurred vision;
• Dry eyes;
• Eye twitches.

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recommend consuming no more than three cups of coffee per day to minimize the risk of developing caffeine-related vision issues.

Tobacco

If you’ve used tobacco regularly for an extended period, you are at risk for vision loss or blindness. Regular tobacco usage has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration or cataracts, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration also known as AMD include:

• Blurred vision;
• Needing more light to read or perform other tasks;
• The perception of straight lines appearing wavy;
• Trouble with facial recognition.

Quitting smoking is the best way to preserve your eyesight and protect yourself against AMD or cataracts.

Other healthy habits you can implement to prevent AMD or cataracts include:

• Protecting your eyes from exposure to sunlight with sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat;
• Maintaining a regular exercise regimen;
• Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels at a normal level.

Alcohol

The phrase “drinking yourself blind”, it turns out, is not just humorous hyperbole. Studies have established a definitive link between excessive alcohol consumption and vision disorders such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and optic neuropathy.

The same studies point out that the risk for developing ocular conditions from alcohol consumption is minimal for those who drink in moderation.

According to Web MD, binge drinking is classified as five alcoholic drinks for men and four for women in less than two hours.

Short-term effects of heavy drinking on eyesight include:

• Blurred or double vision;
• Slow pupil dilation;
• Impaired ability to process visually.

Potential long-term effects of heavy drinking on eyesight include:

• Nutritional Optic Neuropathy: also known as Toxic Amblyopia, this condition results in permanent loss of vision and is caused by Vitamin B deficiency from heavy drinking;
• Cataracts: clouding of the lens of your eye that can be caused by molecular damage to the eyes which, according to one study, is likely the result of increased calcium levels in the eyes over time from heavy alcohol consumption;
• Dry Eye Syndrome: because alcohol is a diuretic, increased urination leads to overall dehydration, which then affects the eyes.

Interestingly enough, some studies have also shown that drinking alcohol in moderation can decrease the chance of ocular-related conditions later in life. The key is moderate alcohol consumption.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are available legally as prescription medications for treating ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Taken in the doses prescribed by your doctor, amphetamine can be very effective.

However, amphetamine also has the potential to become addictive when abused. Many people who use it without a prescription tend to use amphetamine as a performance-enhancing drug, and it has been shown to have detrimental short and long-term effects on eyesight.

Potential short-term effects of amphetamine abuse on eyesight include:

• Change in pupil size;
• Blurred vision;
• Nystagmus (rapid quivering of the pupils).

Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most well-known illegal party drugs in the United States today. Like amphetamines, cocaine artificially boosts the dopamine levels in brain circuits that control movement and the brain’s reward system.

Cocaine users enjoy the feelings of extreme happiness and euphoria that the drug provides. However, the effects of cocaine are not long-lasting, so it’s common for many users to binge it for hours, days, or even weeks on end. Thus, its potential for addiction is very high.

Potential short-term effects of cocaine abuse on eyesight include:

• Rapid-eye movement;
• Dry eyes;
• Hallucinations;
• Light sensitivity.

Potential long-term effects of cocaine abuse on eyesight include:

• Nystagmus: One of the common short-term effects of cocaine usage is rapid eye movement. Excessive rapid eye movement and chronic cocaine usage can lead to this medical condition which indicates severe brain damage.
• Endophthalmitis: Since cocaine usage often involves the use of dirty needles, there’s a high risk of developing an infection which results in this type of ocular inflammation, and in worse cases, loss of vision.

Heroin

Heroin is derived from morphine, an opioid drug that has long been used as an effective form of pain treatment in the United States. However, over time, the recreational potential of the drug in a more synthesized form was realized.

Like cocaine and amphetamine, heroin triggers feelings of euphoria and pleasure in the brain’s reward center by binding itself to the brain’s opioid receptors.

Heroin can be smoked and snorted, but the most common method of heroin consumption is injection. Because the drug is inserted directly into the bloodstream, the drug takes effect almost immediately upon administration, which inevitably draws in users.

Potential short-term effects of heroin abuse on eyesight include:

• Red or bloodshot eyes;
• Dark circles under the eyes;
• Blurred vision.

Potential long-term effects of heroin abuse on eyesight include:

• Talc retinopathy: An ocular condition in the form of small yellow crystals in the eyes, which can cause inhibited blood flow to the eyes, blurred vision, and floaters;
• Mydriasis: An ocular condition characterized by the inability of the pupils to dilate properly and adjust to light changes;

Intravenous Drugs

When drugs are administered intravenously (i.e., injected directly into the bloodstream), other chemicals like talc and chalk are also absorbed into the bloodstream. A buildup of deposits on the retina can significantly hinder vision and lead to more serious ocular issues down the road.

Drug addiction has many potential long-term negative effects on the body, but the damage done to your eyes is perhaps the most difficult to manage. If possible, seek help from a certified addiction counselor and cease your drug use.

Preventing vision issues before they start is the key to optimal eye health. Consider consulting a qualified eye doctor if you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above. Your eye care professional can discuss preventative measures like exercise and dietary changes, as well as explain other vision enhancement technology options like LASIK.