The ageing process spares no mercy on the body and the eyes are no exception. A host of conditions can cause vision loss as you age, many of which – thankfully – do not lead to blindness. However, there are non-natural causes of blindness to be aware of.
Cataracts are when the lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches.
Another long-term complication caused by excessive drinking is optic neuropathy.
Optic neuropathy is a condition which is developed as a result of drinking or smoking excessively.
“Although painless, you begin to lose your vision, struggle to differentiate between colours and gradually lose your peripheral vision,” explains eye surgery Optimax.
READ MORE: High blood pressure can put you at a greater risk of ‘irreversible blindness’ – symptoms
“If you drink as much as 14 units a week, it’s best to spread this evenly over three or more days,” advises the NHS.
The health body continues: “If you’re trying to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it’s a good idea to have several alcohol-free days each week.”
It defines regular or frequent drinking as most days and weeks.
“The risk to your health is increased by drinking any amount of alcohol on a regular basis.”