Alcoholic eyes - how does alcohol affect the eyes?

Sadie Richardson
Mar 31, 2021

Depending on how many drinks you’ve had in one sitting you may have noticed a few different effects alcohol can have on your eyes. Most of the effects are temporary and usually wear off as you sober up the next day or can be easily treated with eye drops. Here’s what you need to know about the short-term effects of alcohol. 

Red or Bloodshot Eyes

Red or bloodshot eyes can be a side effect of drinking too much in one evening because the alcohol makes the blood vessels in the eyes to swell, causing them to appear red. This swelling may also cause eye itchiness and irritation. If your eyes are feeling a bit uncomfortable the morning after consumption, try some eye drops to help ease the discomfort. 

Swollen and Puffy Eyes

Alcohol also has an inflammatory effect on your body and is a diuretic making you lose water through your urine, which can cause swelling. Your eyes may also get puffy the day after drinking because alcohol causes tiny blood vessels to become a bit leaky. Eye puffiness and swelling usually goes away in 12 to 24 hours after your body processes the alcohol. Drinking water can help reduce puffiness.

Dry Eyes

As previously mentioned, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes frequent urination and contributes to dehydration. Another side effect of alcohol is sweating which can also deplete fluid levels. With both things, dry eyes can become a problem after drinking because there aren’t enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated. Moisturizing eye drops can help ease discomfort caused by dry eyes

Bags Under Eyes

While on the subject of dehydration, dehydration can also cause the skin under your eyes to become flabby and weak leading to bags under your eyes. Once again, drink water to hydrate your skin and reduce the bags under your eyes. 

Eye Twitching

Alcohol can cause your eyes to twitch because all the muscles in your body are relaxed after consumption. Eye twitching is a short-term effect after drinking and should go away 12 to 24 hours after your body processes the alcohol. 

Jaundice Eyes

Jaundice eyes, where the white part of your eyes become yellow, will not happen after one night of drinking. It can be an effect after years of drinking and may also be a sign of liver disease. Cutting down on alcohol will improve the condition of your eyes and your liver, but you should consult your doctor if you’re noticing yellowing in the white part of your eye.