Young Scots risk losing their sight in bid to get blind drunk

WITH one of the highest rates of binge drinking among teenagers, Scotland already has an unenviable reputation with alcohol.

But now experts are warning about a new trend among young people that is aimed at speeding up the process of getting drunk – pouring shots of alcohol directly into their eyes.

Known as "one-in-the-eye", it involves using shot glasses in a manner similar to that of eye-wash.

Despite the risk of blindness, users hope that by absorbing the alcohol via the membranes of the eye, it will enter the bloodstream more quickly and have a stronger effect when it reaches the brain.

Originating in the bars of holiday resorts on the continent, the dangerous fad has caught on in university bars and nightclubs, despite potentially catastrophic consequences.

One leading doctor warned those who indulge in the craze are seriously endangering their sight.

Dr Maggie Watts, chairman of the Scottish Association of Alcohol and Drugs Action Teams, said: "It is an extremely dangerous activity. It can damage the front of your eye and can cause the bursting of blood vessels.

"Persisting in doing this could lead to permanent damage. There is the possibility of blindness.

"Once you get scarring on the cornea that can be a very serious problem."

And another expert added: "There are so many youngsters now doing this that it is only a matter of time before someone loses their sight.''

But as the new university term approaches, many students fail to see the potential harm in the drinking game.

Charlotte Greene, 23, said she drank a shot of vodka through her eye.