Alcohol doesn't just cloud your judgment—it impairs your vision too, even when you're under the legal driving limit.
As holidays approach, Specsavers is raising awareness with new research showing that 67% of participants believe alcohol has no impact on eyesight.
The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.5‰. Men typically reach this after about two drinks in an hour, while it happens faster for women—depending on body weight and what you've eaten.
What does alcohol do to your vision?
Simone Stad, optometrist at Specsavers, explains: 'Alcohol affects your eye muscles, causing squinting and reduced sharpness. Pupils react more slowly, and contrast between light and dark diminishes. This is particularly hazardous at night, when eyes struggle with oncoming headlights. Excessive drinking also impairs distance judgment, color perception, and narrows your field of view—so you miss peripheral movement, brake lights, indicators, and reflectors.'
Source and image: Specsavers
