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 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.
What Does Cocaine Do To Your Eyes?
Cocaine use can cause all sorts of symptoms which are easy to identify. Here are a few to look out for:
- Pupil changes: Cocaine shuts down the blood vessels in the body, and that includes those in the eyes.
- Bloodshot eyes: As using cocaine directly affects blood vessels in the eyes, it can cause them to become red and bloodshot.
- Blurry vision: Cocaine abuse can damage the optic nerve, which can result in blurred vision.
- Floaters: Cocaine use can also cause floaters, which are spots or specks that seem to float around in your vision.
Does Cocaine Make Your Pupils Larger or Smaller?
Larger. This is because using cocaine causes the blood vessels in the body to constrict, which can also lead to dilated pupils that give a distinctive look. In some cases, dilated pupils can persist for a bit longer after using.
How Long Do Coke Eyes Last?
The length of time that coke eyes last varies depending on a few factors – how much coke you’ve used, how often you use it and your overall health. Generally speaking, coke eyes can last for a few hours after use or up to a couple of days.
Does The Way You Take Cocaine Change the Impact On Your Eyes?
Yes, the way you take cocaine can make a difference in how it affects your eyes.
- Smoking cocaine (crack): the vapour and fumes from that can actually make the eyes numb and stop them from blinking as much as they should. We blink to keep our eyes moist and protected, so when the blinking reflex is gone, your eyes can become dry and irritated.
- Snorting cocaine: and this method impacts blood vessels and soft tissue inside the nose and sinuses. In the worst cases, you can end up damaging the bone around the sinuses near the eyes, which can cause chronic sinus infections and eye irritation.
- Rubbing on your gums: this one might seem like it avoids impacting eyes, but it still can affect your eyes indirectly. This is because of what it does to your nervous system and blood vessels, just like with any other way you take it.
What’s the Drug that Causes Bulging Eyes?
Cocaine is associated with bulging eyes. Medically speaking, this is known as exophthalmos (which is very rare, but it does happen) or proptosis. It can cause inflammation in the tissue, pushing the eye forward and out of its socket and that can put pressure on the optic nerve. If it is left untreated, then it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Bulging eyes are not always from cocaine use. In fact the most likely cause is something called Graves disease, which is a thyroid condition.
Can Cocaine Eye Signs Be Mistaken for Something Else?
Dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes don’t automatically mean someone is using cocaine. A number of other, very normal everyday things can also cause similar symptoms, including allergies, sleeping badly, excessive screen time, and even use of other substances.
If you’re concerned about a loved one, it’s usually more of a combination of signs alongside changes in behaviour, mood, and habits that are more telling than any single sign or symptom on its own.
Other 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. 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 a 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.
Can Cocaine Eye Damage Be Reversed?
Dilated pupils, red eyes and dry eyes from cocaine use are usually short-term. However, if optic nerve damage, corneal abrasions, uveitis, glaucoma, nystagmus and vessel occlusion have developed as a result of cocaine, then they may be permanent.
If you’ve been using cocaine regularly and are starting to get worried about your eyes, then it may be time to book a GP appointment and an eye test.
Getting Help 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.
