The next stage is hepatitis, which primarily consists of inflammation. Finally, intense inflammation and scarring lead to the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are caused by inflammation and severe scarring. While fatty liver disease and hepatitis can be reversed with a cessation in alcohol consumption, the same can’t be said about fibrosis and cirrhosis. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a straightforward condition – it’s the build-up of fats within the liver. When someone drinks large quantities of alcohol, even for just a few days, this build-up will occur.

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• If blindness occurs as a result of drinking, some degree of permanent vision damage is likely even if vision is restored.
• The liver is capable of healing itself if drinking stops and the damage has not progressed too far.
• It can lead to conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated.
• Yet, upon closer observation, you may notice large, spider-like blood vessels expanding over the whites of one’s eyes.

Eyes that remain a consistent red or bloodshot appearance even when not under the influence are a telltale indicator of alcohol-impacted visuals. Bloodshot eyes are characterized as overly red sclera regions (whites of eyes). If enough alcohol is consumed in one session or frequently enough, it can create a permanent bloodshot appearance even when not being consumed. If you’ve ever noticed yellowing in the whites of your eyes, you might wonder what it means and whether drinking alcohol could be the cause.

When a person drinks alcohol, their liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing the drug so that it can be safely eliminated from their body. During this process, alcohol is briefly converted to a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which is then turned into acetate before finally being broken down into water and carbon dioxide. Protecting your eye health is a vital part of helping your body heal from alcohol collectively. Here are some additional measures our caring specialists will help you implement to protect eye health in conjunction with treatment. Indicators of alcohol-related visual defects are very easy to spot if you know the perceivable distinctions. Bearing that in mind, here are some of the most common signs of alcohol-induced eye defects.

The Connection Between Your Liver and Your Eyes

You have a lot to gain by stopping alcohol now and preventing further permanent damage. A less noticeable symptom of alcoholic eyes is eye pain or itchiness. However, itchy or painful eyes can also leave visual indicators like the redness or bloodshot appearance alluded to previously.

If someone is experiencing yellow eyes because of alcohol-related liver damage, they will also be showing other signs of long-term alcohol use. When our bodies break down red blood cells, there’s a byproduct of this process called bilirubin that’s produced. Most of the time, this is effectively processed by the liver and excreted by the body as waste. When the liver isn’t operating efficiently, it becomes difficult to get rid of all of the built-up bilirubin. This can then result in bilirubin build-up throughout the body, which produces a yellowish tinge in the eyes and skin called jaundice.

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One question we hear often is about yellow eyes and whether they relate to alcohol use. Live Free Recovery Services is your partner in helping you overcome your alcohol addiction. Cirrhosis is a late stage of liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. Yellowing of the eyes, known medically as jaundice, occurs when there is an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

Cirrhosis is late-stage liver disease, which can be too late to turn back from. At NUMA Recovery Centers, we provide comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver diseases. From alcohol detox to long-term recovery support, our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to helping you regain control of your health and achieve a sober lifestyle. Reach out to NUMA Recovery Centers to get the medical care and support you need for your recovery.

The liver typically processes bilirubin, which is then excreted in bile. Alcohol causes blood vessels to widen and eyes yellow after drinking constrict, making it difficult for the heart to regulate blood flow. The heart muscle can become stretched, making it weaker and prone to failure.

Yellow Eyes from Alcohol – What They Mean and How You Can Treat Them

Medications such as corticosteroids might be prescribed to reduce liver inflammation. In severe cases, antibiotics can treat infections that could arise due to a weakened liver. The intensity of yellowing often correlates with the severity of liver damage, with deeper golden or amber coloration indicating more advanced dysfunction. This progression serves as a visual indicator of how rapidly liver cells are being destroyed or failing to function. The morning after a night of drinking, discovering yellow-tinged eyes staring back from the bathroom mirror should trigger immediate alarm bells.

Other Common Reasons for Yellow Eyes

The optic nerve, responsible for relaying visual reflections and responses to the brain, becomes distorted and damaged. In severe cases, optic neuropathy can be permanent or lead to diverse long-term visual defects. Stop drinking alcohol and seek immediate medical attention if you begin to exhibit any signs of optic nerve damage.

Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Eyes to Turn Yellow?

Those who are diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis should stop drinking right away. The liver is capable of healing itself if drinking stops and the damage has not progressed too far. Alcohol can mess with color perception by affecting the brain areas responsible for interpreting colors.

• Early jaundice may only be visible in bright light or when compared to previous photos, making it easy to overlook during the initial stages.
• If a person develops yellow eyes from drinking, this can be a sign that they have advanced alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical term for alcoholism.
• Alcoholic hepatitis is an advanced stage of alcohol-induced liver disease.

These cognitive changes indicate that liver toxicity has reached life-threatening levels. However, just because our liver can process alcohol doesn’t mean that it isn’t impacted. Our addiction professionals are with you at every step, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend group therapy sessions with others in your situation.