When people think about the health risks of alcohol, they usually think of liver damage. But here's something most people don't realise: alcohol can also cause harm to your eyesight over time.
And while I’m not here to tell you to quit drinking altogether, there are some important things you should know about alcohol if you want to look after your eye health.
Let’s unpack it together.
1. Alcohol and Optic Nerve Health
The optic nerve is a key part of your vision ecosystem because it transmits information from the eye to the brain. To have good vision, you need a healthy, functioning optic nerve. However, the optic nerve is highly vulnerable to stress. This is why any condition that can cause stress on the optic nerve, such as glaucoma due to high eye pressure, can potentially damage your vision.
Most people don’t realise that regular alcohol intake, even within what’s considered “moderate”, has been associated in some studies with a higher risk of optic nerve damage from eye pressure. In fact, a 2023 study published in Ophthalmology Glaucomafound that drinkers were 57% more likely to develop optic nerve stress than non-drinkers, even at intake levels below UK and US guidelines. Even people who have stopped drinking had a 53% higher risk than non-drinkers.
You might have heard that alcohol can temporarily lower eye pressure. That’s true... but it’s short-lived. Over time, heavy or frequent drinking can actually cause eye pressure to rise, and that's a major risk factor for optic nerve damage.
If you already have eye pressure problems, or if it runs in your family, reducing or moderating alcohol intake could make a real difference.
Supporting your optic nerve with nutrients like saffron (for healthy eye pressure) and nicotinamide B3 plus methylfolate (for optic nerve support) can also help tip the odds in your favor.
2. Alcohol and Dry Eyes
Ever notice that your eyes feel red, gritty, or dry after a night out?
That’s because alcohol is a diuretic — it pulls water out of your body, including your eyes. Less moisture means your eyes can’t stay as smooth and comfortable as they should.
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D3 and active vitamin B12, which have been linked to tear‑film quality and ocular surface comfort in research.
3. Alcohol and Macular Health
The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina, where light gets converted into bioelectrical signals that get sent to the brain. Like the optic nerve, the macula is critical for vision and is also highly vulnerable to stress, particularly from ageing.
A 2021 meta-analysis in Current Eye Research found that moderate to heavy drinkers were about 24% more likely to develop early-stage macular changes compared to light drinkers or non-drinkers.
Part of the reason? Alcohol depletes important antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin — two key nutrients that support macular health and reduce free radical damage to retina cells.
Simple ways to protect yourself:
Wear sunglasses with full 100% UV protection.
Eat more leafy greens like spinach, kale, and silverbeet.
Consider supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin if your diet isn’t consistently rich in these nutrients.
So, Should You Give Up Alcohol Completely?
Not necessarily. For most people, it’s all about balance and being informed.
Having a glass of wine now and then probably isn’t going to affect your eyesight greatly. But if you’re drinking often — or already have risk factors affecting your optic nerve or macula — it’s smart to rethink how much and how often.
Fun fact: Studies suggest that tea drinkers — especially green tea lovers — may actually have a lower risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration. So if you're looking for a vision-friendly drink, tea could be a great swap!
A Final Thought
Your eyes can’t filter out any potential damage caused by alcohol. But you can look after your eyes by making small, smart choices — and giving them the nutrients they need to stay strong.
At Nutravision, we built a supplement specifically to support the deeper systems behind eye health:
Saffron for healthy eye pressure
Nicotinamide B3 and methylfolate for cell metabolism and mitochondrial health
If you want to give your eyes a little extra support — especially if you're navigating ageing, family history risks, or modern lifestyle challenges — a formula like Nutravision, alongside professional care and sensible lifestyle choices, can be one more tool in your corner.
Your vision is your most undervalued asset — until it isn’t. Take care of it, starting today.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow the advice of your eye care professional and use any supplements only as directed.
