Does drinking alcohol increase intraocular pressure?
May 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drinking alcohol increases intraocular pressure. Alcohol intensifies blood flow in ocular blood vessels and causes the blood vessels in the retinal and choroidal epithelial endothelial layers to constrict, which typically leads to elevated intraocular pressure. Within the eye, intraocular pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the internal eye fluids—aqueous humor and lens fluid.
Generally, drinking alcohol can increase intraocular pressure. The details are as follows:
Alcohol increases blood flow in the eye's blood vessels and also causes the blood vessels in the retinal and choroidal epithelial endothelial layers to narrow, which typically leads to elevated intraocular pressure. Within the eye, intraocular pressure is the pressure created by the fluids inside the eyeball—aqueous humor and vitreous fluid. When intraocular pressure rises, it can impair ocular blood circulation and reduce the amount of fluid within the eye, potentially causing retinal damage. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption may lead to liver and kidney problems. Dehydration in the body disrupts fluid balance and may cause blood vessel constriction, further contributing to increased intraocular pressure. Moreover, chronic heavy drinking may lead to hypertension, which could also elevate intraocular pressure. Certain medical conditions can likewise raise intraocular pressure, such as diabetes, glaucoma, and chronic eye inflammation.
Long-term alcohol consumption may worsen these conditions, thereby increasing intraocular pressure. Therefore, chronic excessive drinking should be avoided. If elevated intraocular pressure is detected, prompt medical attention is recommended.
