How Alcohol Affects Your Eyes: Insights from Drs. Bell and DeVine
This is a huge modifiable risk factor for ocular disease and should be actually talked about.
Did you know that your eyes can reveal a lot about your drinking habits? In this fascinating episode of 'The Addiction Connection', Drs. Heather Bell and Kurt DeVine dive into the unexpected ways alcohol impacts your vision. They start with nystagmus, a condition where your eyes involuntarily bounce when looking side to side, which can be triggered by even light drinking. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it could be a sign of deeper issues at play.
But that's just the beginning. The doctors explain how alcohol affects Gaba, a neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to various ocular findings. For instance, babies with fetal alcohol syndrome might show signs like optic disc hypoplasia and tortuosity of the retinal vasculature. And it's not just about severe conditions—regular alcohol consumption can also mess with your blood vessels and retina, posing risks for ocular diseases down the line. Worried about cataracts or other eye issues? Drs.
Bell and DeVine discuss how zinc and other vitamins play a crucial role in eye health, especially for those who drink. Their engaging style makes complex medical jargon easy to understand, providing practical advice that anyone can follow. Whether you're curious about the science or concerned about your own eye health, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss. Tune in to learn how alcohol could be affecting your vision in ways you never imagined.