EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL IN THE EYE
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL IN THE EYE
INTRODUCTION
Alcohol according to the
oxford advanced learners Engish dictionary (A.S Hornby, 2010) are drinks such
as beer, wine etc. That can make people drunk OR the clear liquid that is found
in drinks such as beer, wine etc, and is used in medicine. NIDA notes 2015 showed the process
through which alcohol is manufactured i.e through the fermentation of yeast,
sugar and starches. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant which is
rapidly absorbed from tha stomoach and small intestine into the blood stream.
The standard alcoholic drink equals 0.6 ounce of pure ethanol, or 12 ounces of
beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 15 ounces of wine or1.5 ounces (a short) of 80
proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g gin, rum, vodka or whiskey).
Approximately 20% of alcohol consumed is rapidly absorbed
into the blood stream and the rest by the gastro intestinal tract. This is
according to Rehab 2015. All membranes in the body are highly permeable to
alcohol which explains the rapid absorption. The speed at which a person blood alcohol
level rises and he effects it has on the individuals vary due to the weight,
age gender, body composition, general health of the person, the presence of
other drugs or medication etc. These effects can be classified as short and
long term depending on the duration and quantity consumed. Alcohol takes a toll
on our looks and bodies. It plays havoc with the skin and sustained consumption
could even cause blindness. Alcohol ages you.
The eye can see clearly when parts of the eye and the
body including the brain is normal but when there is a problem in the eye or
brain or both, it will affect vision. Because of the importance of the eye to
human beings and because of the bad effects of alcohol to the body, I decided
to research on the effects of alcohol on the eye.
LITERATURE REVIEW
THE MEANING OF ALCOHOL AND ITS LEGAL LIMITS:
NIDA (2015) Stated that
ethyl alcohol or ethanol s an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine and
liquor and is produce by the fermentation of yeast, sugar and starches.
According to Webster Revised Unabridged Dictionary,
(author: Mearrian & Co) Alcohol is
an impalpable powder or the fluid
essence or pure spirit.
Hornby, A S 2010 noted that alcohol are drinks such as
beer, wine etc, that can make people drunk and are used in medicines, cleaning
products etc.
Alcohol is a CNS depressant that is rapidly absorbed from
the stomoach and blood intestine into the blood stream (NIDA notes 2014)
The Division of Population Heath, National Centre for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centres for Disease Control
and Prevention in a paper published by Atlanta G.A in November 16, 2015 stated
thus : the legal limits for drinking is the alcohol level above which an
individual is subject to legal penalties. Legal limits are measured using
either a blood alcohol test or a breathalyzer. Legal limits are typically
defined by state law, and may vary based on individual characteristics such as
age and occupation. All states in the US have adopted 0.05 percent (80mg per
dl) as the legal limits for operating a motor vehicle for drivers aged 21yrs
and above. Those younger than 21 are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle
with any level of alcohol in their system.
REASONS FOR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Laura Stampler at Larastampler in December 4
2013 stated the reason for drinking alcohol which includes:
v Many
Doctors recommend it to lower the risk of heart disease
v It
makes people warm
v BMC
medicine says that a glass of wine a day could reduce depression
v To
remove fear
M. Farouk Redwan, 2014
stated the psychology of drinking which include:
v Mood
regulation
School of Public Health
(2011) established that:
v Curiosity
is still a prevalent reason for alcohol consumption
Sharon (2011) said ‘Doctors
prescribed it as anti-anxiety medication
According to Rehab in 19th
January, 2011, People drink alcohol:
v For
the effects that alcohol has on the central nervous system – depressant and
stimulant; feeling of euphoria; dis-orientation or a pleasurable release of
tension
v Because
they see it modelled by others
v As a
reaction to the social environment to be part of it.
SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL IN THE EYE
In January 2014, researchers
in Australia found that drinking the legal limits of v greatly affect the
ability to adjust vision for brightness and contrast by 30%. The study
conducted at Western University’s Faculty of Social Sciences, used the Hermann
Grid to understand how alcohol affects the perception of contrast. The Hermann
Grid is a grid of black squares on a white background. Ghost like dark spots
appear at the intersections of the grid but are not actually there. According
to researchers it is the way our visual system processes contrast differently
that creates this illusion. The researchers were able to show that the apparent
contrast of the illusory spots in the grid is reduced by 30%.
Cooper vision in 2015 published that consumption of
alcohol below the blood level could cause blurring of vision, distorted vision,
slower pupil reaction, decrease contrast sensitivity, eye twitching and dry
eye. Findings from a study by the Hallyn University College of Medicine suggest
that consuming even a small amount of alcohol can increase and exacerbate
symptoms of dry eye.
LONG TERM DAMAGE TO THE EYE CAUSED BY ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
On Tuesday 15th November, 2015,
Alexander Tonides published that repeated episodes of heavy drinking puts
significant strain on the liver and just as the eye is associated with many
organs of the body, heavy drinkers will be more prone to eye conditions and
declining eye site.
Cooper Vision in 2015 published:
v Multiple
studies have shown increase cataract formation in patients with higher alcohol
consumption.
v Optometric
Association identifies excessive alcohol intake as a risk factor for age
related macular degeneration.
v Vitamin
D deficiency due to alcohol consumption can cause a weakness or paralysis of
eye muscles.
v Vitamin
A deficiency due to alcohol consumption could cause night blindness
v Tobacco
– Alcohol – Amblyopia
Drinking too much alcohol
can make you age at a faster pace says Dermatologists Dr. Rickson Perreira.
According
to a review by the Emory University school of Medicine, many eye problems are
associated with foetal alcohol syndrome.
HOW TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL IN THE EYES
Giving up alcohol entirely may be difficult. The good
news is that these negative vision related side effects can be prevented without
giving up alcohol entirely. This is according to Alexander Tonides a consultant
ophthalmologist, they include:
v Drinking
occasionally
v Care
should be taken not to drink on an empty stomach
v Drinking
of water in-between alcoholic drink to prevent being drunk is recommended.
v Having
knowledge of the percentage of alcohol contained in alcoholic drinks before consumption is vital.
v Our
bodies are all different meaning our reaction to alcohol also be extremely
varied but it is wise to always consider recommended units of alcohol. For men
not more than four units in one day and 21 units per week. For women, three
units per day and 14 units per week.
According
to a publication by Cooper Vision in 2015, For those suffering from the long
term effect, an appointment with their eye doctor is urgently needed.
REFERENCE
Alexander Larry J.OD, Primary care of the posterior segment 3rd Edition.
Alexander Tonides September 2015 “Beer google” effects
on vision
www.independent.co.uk>lifestyle>healthandfamilies>features
Hornby, As 2010 Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary 8th
Edition Oxford University press Oxford New York.
2014 M. Farouk Radwan Msc. Psychology of drinking www.2knowmyself.com/whydopeople-d
Newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/04/80-rear
Hiratsuka T, etal. J stud Alcohol
Alexander Tonides Bsc FRCO phth MO consultant Ophtamology
Rebuild your vision, LLC 14241 NE Woodinville – Duvall Road
398 woodinville , WA 98022
How alcohol Affects your eyes.
Alcohol (noun) an impalpable provides or the fluid essence
or pure spirit
Author- Merrian & and Co 2015 Webster Revised
Unabridged Dictionary (1913) Edited by Noah Porter providal
By Patrick cascidy of the ARTFL project 5720 south Woodlawn
Chicago, Illinois the University of Chicago
The legal limit is any number below .08 in All states of US
By Rich Stim
Jimmy Wales Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Rehab 2015
Addiction blog.com
By Troy Bedinghaus, OD; Vision Expert About.com How
drinking alcohol affects your eyes.
Alexander, Larry J, OD. Primary care of the posterior
segment, Third Edition. Mc graw Hill, 2002
Do you know the Harm Too much Alcohol can do?
ImproveEyessightHill.com
School of public Health why do people drink alcohol
Laura stampler at Larastampler December 4, 2013
Newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/04/80
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