Ok, with everyone talking about Dry (NO alcohol) January, probably the last thing you want to read is an article on the eyeball benefits of taking a month off from partaking after the holiday libations so we will do our best to keep this entertaining as well as educational.
Top Five Eyeball Reason to observe Dry (or maybe just “Dry-ish”) January:
5.) Dry January can help you avoid Dry Eye. As we all know, alcohol consumption makes you visit the bathroom much more frequently, often resulting in dehydration. Fancy term for this is “diuretic” and excessive urination/dehydration can lead to decreased tear production and dry eye. Drinking lots of water during or after party time can prevent dehydration. Eye redness due to dryness after imbibing can often be relieved by preservative free lubrication drops.
4.) Less Calorie Intake equals weight loss and less chance of Diabetes. The taste of a good bourbon or Bailey’s and coffee comes with a high calorie price. After indulging in food and drink during the holiday season, taking a break from the sugars and carbs found in alcohol can help you shed the holiday pounds, and prevent diabetes and the eyeball conditions associated with diabetes.
3.) Premature Aging of the Eyes. Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to prematurely age the body and whatever ages the body also ages the eyes. This can include earlier cataract formation, possible earlier macular degeneration as well as premature aging of the eyelids and skin around the eyes.
2.) Double Vision: If you have drank enough to see double, it is probably time to call it a night and go to bed. To be scientific, alcohol can impair the sixth cranial nerve which controls the eye pointing muscles responsible for horizontal eye alignment resulting in “side to side” double vision (diplopia).
1.) “Beer Goggles” For those who have experienced beer bongs, keg stands, shots of any kind, or intoxication in general, blurred vision and distorted perception of what or who is attractive may have been a problem. For a Dr. Steve animated explanation of the Beer Goggles, please follow this link for some good laughs.
Best Wishes for a continued Dry (ish) January!
Dr. Steve