man with steam emanating from his pants which gives the appearance of flatulence
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
January 26, 2024 ·  4 min read

Stinky Farts Can Theoretically Make You Go Blind, Doctor Claims

Have you ever ripped a fart so good that you’ve had to open every window in your house or burn some incense just to get rid of the smell? Or, do you live with someone who’s got a bit of a gas problem? Well, you might want to be a bit more careful. According to this doctor, it is possible to go blind from a really raunchy, horrible, stinky fart. This is how.

Can A Really, Really Stinky Fart Make You Go Blind

Dr. Anthony Youn is a plastic surgeon and popular doctor on TikTok. On his channel, he answers questions that people ask him about, well, basically anything. He’s got videos on whether or not it’s possible to stretch out a tummy tuck, debunking myths about various surgeries that he sees being promoted on the internet, and even what happens to you if you drink someone else’s blood. In one of his most viral videos, he responded to one follower’s comment who said this (1):

“I once farted so hard I went blind for 3 minutes.”

Naturally, everyone wants to know if this is actually possible. Dr. Youn didn’t hesitate to jump into the science of whether or not this is actually possible.

Yes – You Can Go Blind From A Fart

Dr. Youn first reassured all of his followers that while this is possible, it is very unlikely that you would actually go blind from a stinky fart. He explained, however, that due to the certain types of gasses that are released when you let one rip, it isn’t impossible, either.

“Although this is very unlikely, if the gas you pass is extremely pungent, it could contain large amounts of hydrogen sulfide,” he said in his video.

He then goes on to explain exactly what makes hydrogen sulfide so dangerous to your eyes in the first place.

“Studies show that hydrogen sulfide is very effective in reducing blood pressure. And if it reduces blood pressure to the central retinal artery, your silent but deadly toot could theoretically make you go blind. So be careful if you’re making a lot of bubbles in your bathtub.”

Here’s the full TikTok clip below.

@tonyyounmd Reply to @no.heart.kid.06 Explaining how a fart can make him go blind? Theoretically… #fart #learnontiktok #toot #flatulence #blind ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

Read: People Keep Getting QR Codes Tattooed on Their Body

Hydrogen Sulfide Is Not Only Found In Farts

Hydrogen sulfide is the gas that causes your farts to have that smelly, rotten egg or rotten cabbage stench to them. Though low levels of this gas aren’t dangerous, at certain concentrations they can be a pretty serious threat to your health. Exposure to high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause anything from rhinitis (chronic congestion) to acute respiratory failure. At certain concentrations, it can be instantly fatal. (2)

Before you start freaking out, don’t fear. The average fart contains levels of hydrogen sulfide that are far below the concentrations that would cause you any actual health problems. A really stinky far might make you gag a bit, but that’s not a threat to your overall well-being.

Read: Throwback: That Time a Beer Stealing Bear Got Drunk and Passed Out in the Woods

Foods That Cause The Stinkiest Farts

If you are someone who struggles with flatulence, or at least when you do fart it really stinks, it could likely be something in your diet that needs changing. First of all, pay attention to what you are eating and when you tend to have your worst gas. If you have food sensitivities that you are unaware of, these may be what is causing your bad gas. Even have a little food journal to track things rather than relying on your memory. (3)

You could also go in for a food allergy test to see if you have any actual unknown food allergies that you’ve been living with for a long time. If you have an allergy or sensitivity, especially over time this could aggravate your stomach and intestines, causing gas.

Finally, you may very likely just be eating certain foods in a bit too-high quantities or at a too-high frequency. The foods that tend to cause the stinkiest gas are:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Artichokes
  • Cruciferous vegetables (think broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc)
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Gluten and wheat
  • High-protein diet
  • Polyol sweeteners

So the long story short is that you are highly unlikely to ever fart yourself or someone you love into blindness. That being said, if you find yourself struggling with bad gas, talk to your doctor. They can likely help you find solutions so you are a less-gassy person.

Keep Reading: Woman Who Made Over $50,000 A Week Selling Farts Hospitalized For Trying To Fart Too Much

Sources

  1. Tiktok
  2. Doctor Claims It’s Possible To Fart Yourself Blind.” IFL Science. James felton. January 21, 2022.
  3. 7 Worst Foods That Cause Flatulence And Excessive Wind.” Atlas Biomed. Leigh Stewart. January 12.