Women have been warned alcohol can increase their risk of developing dry eye syndrome.

A study into the condition, which causes daily irritation due to insufficient or low-quality tears to lubricate the eyes, found women are more likely to suffer from the condition after consuming alcohol.

Leading eye hospital group Optegra, which is based in Whiteley, is calling on women to ‘protect your eyes, skip the spirits’ after the study of more than 77,000 people found 30 per cent of those who consumed alcohol reported symptomatic dry eye.

The results were more significant among women than men.

Optegra said: "Dry January is popular with many people who will abstain from alcohol in the first month of the year after a festive period of overindulgence.

"But for women, there could be an added advantage to cutting back on wine and G&T.

"Research reveals that women are more vulnerable to dry eye issues linked to alcohol.

"Dry eye disease is a condition which can cause daily irritation due to insufficient or low-quality tears to lubricate the eyes.

"A population-based study of more than 77,000 people found that 30 per cent of those who consumed alcohol reported symptomatic dry eye, with the results more significant among women than men.

"In addition, women who are undergoing hormonal changes are more prone to dry eye and may be more affected by alcohol’s dehydrating effects."

The study found that alcohol can affect the eyes and vision in several ways, including dehydration, causing inflammaton, and increasing blood sugar.

The impact of alcohol on eye health can also depend on the type of alcohol consumed.

For example, beer and red wine in particular contain sulphites which can exacerbate and increase dryness and irritation in the eyes.

Dr Nabila Jones, optometrist and research associate at Optegra, said: "Dry eye disease is a chronic condition where your eyes either stop making enough tears or produce low quality tears. Without proper tear function, your eyes become dry and you’re less likely to blink away debris or clear out bacteria which may lead to infection.

"It can make eyes feel gritty and irritated, or ironically, can cause excess tears which you are constantly wiping away as the eye tries to over-compensate.

"So whilst there are obvious health and wellbeing benefits for our bodies from not drinking alcohol, as it serves as a depressant for our central nervous system and slows important brain functions, there are also key benefits for both men’s and women’s eyes too. This January, give your eyes (and your health) a break!"

Higher concentrations of alcohol in spirits like vodka and whiskey can lead to faster dehydration, potentially intensifying dry eye symptoms.

To minimise the impact of alcohol on dry eyes throughout 2025, Optegra suggests following this advice:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcoholic beverages
  • Moderate consumption: Give yourself a good start by taking part in Dry January to kick off 2025. Then consider reducing alcohol intake or opting for beverages with lower alcohol content
  • Use artificial tears: Keep lubricating eye drops on hand to alleviate discomfort, especially when consuming alcohol
  • Blink regularly: Make a conscious effort to blink, especially when using electronic devices, to help spread tears across the eye surface
  • Nutrition: Consider incorporating foods rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health