19 months ago

Jo Ann • 150

@jo_ann

I'm wondering if anyone has tested the use of alcohol and its affect on IOP. I've been conducting my own experiments using the Reichert 7CR home tonometer.
Background: I've been on Zioptan for a year and a half and although it's very effective managing my IOP, lately I've noticed some side effects.

Since, at 78, I enjoy a rare state of health and vitality, the dilemma for me is this - lose my sight by not using eye drops or engaging in invasive procedures or lose my health due to the eye medications and their side effects.

Thus, I'm experimenting with my supplements, etc. to see how long I can go w/o using Zioptan and still maintain and manage my IOP at a safe level.

Last night I was with a friend and slowly sipped on red wine throughout the evening. I drink wine inconsistently and infrequently, so I decided to check my IOP when I came home last night and discovered my IOP in my good eye recorded:, 6,7,8,9. I have never before recorded a 6! Earlier in the day the pressure was 21,22,23. That's after being off Zioptan for 4 days and after having 2 cups of tea in the afternoon.

The eye pressure in my right eye(the one with glaucoma) was 9 & 10. Earlier in the day it was 23,24,25, and 27 - again after 4 days of being off Zioptan and after 2 cups of tea earlier in the day.

I found the effect of the wine sipping on my eye pressure quite incredulous. Has anyone else with a home tonometer experimented with alcohol and eye pressure?

I'd love to hear from others about your experience regarding the effect of alcohol on eye pressure. Jo Ann

19 months ago

david 4.3k

@david_fe

I found the effect of the wine sipping on my eye pressure quite incredulous. Has anyone else with a home tonometer experimented with alcohol and eye pressure?

Yes, alcohol is well-known to reduce IOP in exactly the way you describe. However, its effect is short term -- it generally only lasts a few hours. In some people, their IOP will be higher than expected the next morning after an evening of low IOP like you describe. This is the "rebound effect" of alcohol on IOP.

I suspect that if you tried to use alcohol to manage your IOP around the clock, you would find the effect wearing off (you would build up tolerance).

Also, I believe you will find large swings in your IOP rather than a consistent effect like you enjoy with glaucoma medications.