Alcohol and dry eyes always go hand in hand. This effect causes red eyes after drinking alcohol. weight loss, better sleep and saving money, there are a whole host of benefits to your eyes and overall eye health. Polyvinyl alcohol eye drops act as artificial tears. They make dry eyes feel more comfortable. Alcohol can also weaken the muscles in your eyes and can permanently impair the optic nerves that carry information from the eyes to the brain. Slow Pupil Reaction. Dry eyes – Alcohol is a diuretic meaning that it increases the flow of urine. As a result, a lifetime of alcohol abuse can lead to rapid eye movement, or involuntary back and forth eye movement. This fact along with the fact that alcohol is dehydrating means that we often wake up with dry irritated eyes. Blurry and double vision are common side effects of excessive alcohol consumption that typically arise around a BAC level of 0.08% but can begin at slightly different points for each individual. Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, supports cutting down alcohol consumption in the new year to encourage better eye health, stating: “As well as the more commonly known pros of Dry January i.e. Alcohol and bloodshot eyes are pretty common. Vision Issues from Excessive Alcohol Consumption. It makes the vision distorted and further causes irritation. If your vision becomes blurred for a short while after using the drops, do not drive until you can see clearly again. Dry eye syndrome can be worsened for those who already suffer with this uncomfortable condition. This is a dangerous short-term effect associated with alcohol and vision. Use the drops three or four times a day, or more often if required.