Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that can have a wide range of negative effects on the body, including the eyes. Cocaine use can cause a number of different changes to the eyes, including dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, and blurred vision.
In some cases, cocaine use can even lead to permanent vision loss, so it can be very dangerous. In this article, we will go over the short-term and long-term effects of cocaine use on the eyes. It will also provide information on the treatment options that are available for treating cocaine addictions.
If you are concerned about the effects of cocaine use on your eyes, it is important to talk to a doctor. They can look at your eye health and provide treatment if necessary for cocaine eyes.
How Does Cocaine Affect Your Eyes?
If you are here reading this, you may be wondering ‘what does cocaine do to your eyes?’. Cocaine use can cause a number of symptoms which can be seen in your eyes, including the following:
- Dilated pupils: Cocaine constricts the blood vessels in the body, including those in the eyes. This can cause the pupils to dilate, which can make your eyes appear brighter and more noticeable, also known as coke eyes or cocaine pupils.
- Red eyes: Cocaine use can also irritate the blood vessels in the eyes, and this can cause them to become red and bloodshot.
- Blurred vision: Coke abuse can damage the optic nerve, which can lead to blurred vision.
- Floaters: Cocaine can also cause floaters, which are small spots or specks floating in your vision.
- Vision loss: In severe cases, long-term cocaine abuse can lead to permanent vision loss.
Physical Signs of Cocaine Use
Cocaine can have a number of physical effects on the body. In addition to the effects on the eyes that are listed above, cocaine can also have other physical signs, such as an effect on the brain. These can include the following:
- Increased heart rate: Cocaine can cause the heart to beat faster, which can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
- High blood pressure: Cocaine can raise blood pressure, which can put a strain on the heart and lead to heart attack or stroke.
- Sweating: Cocaine can cause profuse sweating, which can lead to dehydration.
- Rash: Cocaine can cause a rash, which is usually on the face, neck, and chest.
- Sneezing: Cocaine can irritate the nose and throat, which can cause sneezing.
- Tremors: Cocaine can cause tremors, which are involuntary shaking movements.
- Jaw clenching: Cocaine can cause jaw clenching, which can lead to headaches and tooth pain.
- Nervousness: Cocaine can cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Depression: After the initial high, cocaine can cause a crash, which can lead to depression, fatigue, and irritability.
It is important to note that not everyone who uses cocaine will experience all of these physical signs. The severity of the physical signs will vary depending on the amount of cocaine used, how often you use it, and your overall health.
If you notice any of these physical signs in someone you know, it is important to talk to them about your concerns. Cocaine use can be dangerous and addictive, and it is important to get help if someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction.
How Long Do Cocaine Eyes Last?
The duration of cocaine eyes can vary depending on a range of factors, including the amount of cocaine used, the frequency of use, and the individual’s overall health. In general, cocaine eyes can last for a few hours after use. However, in some cases, they can last for up to a day or even longer.
Cocaine constricts the blood vessels in the body, including those in the eyes. This can cause the pupils to dilate, which is what gives cocaine users the characteristic “coke eyes” look. The dilation of the pupils can last for a few hours after use, but it can also last for longer in some cases.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine on Eyesight
The long-term effects of cocaine use on eyesight can vary. It mostly depends on how much cocaine has been consumed, how often it is used, and the individual’s general health. However, some of the potential long-term effects of cocaine use on eyesight include:
- Blurred vision: Cocaine can cause blurred vision by damaging the optic nerve. This can cause long term blurred vision.
- Floaters: Floaters are small specks and spots that can appear in your vision. Cocaine can cause these to come on a long term basis and this may be permanent.
- Vision loss: For some people who use cocaine regularly, it can result in permanent vision loss. This is a worst-case scenario effect of cocaine on the eyes.
- Corneal abrasion: Cocaine can irritate the cornea, which is the clear covering on the front of the eye. This can lead to corneal abrasion. This is a scratch on the cornea.
- Uveitis: Cocaine can also cause uveitis, which is an inflammation of the uveal tract, which is the middle layer of the eye. Uveitis can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision.
- Glaucoma: Cocaine can increase the risk of glaucoma, which is a type of eye disease that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
If you are worried about cocaine use, whether it be your own or someone you know, it’s important to reach out for the help you need. Cocaine can be very addictive and can cause a lot of problems in your life. Although coke eyes themselves are not usually dangerous long term, abuse of cocaine and regular consumption can be bad for your health. Cocaine eyes are a clear indicator that you have used coke, and it is important to know when you need help.
Cocaine rehab is the best treatment for cocaine addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for the help you need today. In rehab, you will receive a personalised treatment plan that is designed to suit your specific needs and also gives you the best possible chances of overcoming your addiction.