How Does Cocaine Affect Your Eyes?

When it comes to cocaine addiction and treatment, most people are aware of the drug’s potential physical and mental health effects. But cocaine is also a chemical that can affect your eyes. If you have come to this page because you are already observing changes in your vision or the structure of your ocular organs, it might be because of cocaine use, among other probable causes. We are an addiction treatment service with over 20 years in the field, and we have seen many people who struggle with cocaine addiction, both to powder cocaine and its crystal form – crack. While cocaine is mistakingly considered the drug of choice of the rich and the famous, we can confirm it is a highly dangerous substance which can affect your sight in the long term.

From constricted blood vessels to dilated pupils, the eyes of cocaine users can reveal a lot about their habits. Understanding these effects is crucial to identify potential issues and promote healthier choices.

How Cocaine Affects the Human Eye

Cocaine affects the eyes in various ways, depending on the intake method, dose and frequency. The most common manifestation of cocaine on the eyes is dilated pupils. When cocaine triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, it cause the pupils to widen and become more sensitive to light. This is also termed “Cocaine eye syndrome” or “cocaine pupils”.

Cocaine can constrict the blood vessels throughout the body, including the ones in the eyes. This constriction can reduce blood flow, decreasing oxygen supply to various parts of the eye. This can cause a range of issues. One such issue is increased pressure. This leads to the phenomenon called bloodshot eyes. Chronically increased pressure within the eye can be diagnosed as Glaucoma. It causes damage to the optic nerve and ultimately leads to vision loss. It can be irreversible if left untreated. This illicit drug can also cause cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL). CIMDL is a breakdown of the bones and tissues in the nose, sinuses, palate, and eye sockets. This can lead to infections, deformities, and blindness.

Chronic Effects of Cocaine on the Eyes

Chronic use of cocaine can lead to a variety of eye-related problems. Here are some of them, but please keep in mind that they can also be caused by many other conditions including medications and different genetic predispositions. We strongly advice against judging your loved ones based solely on this list, instead talk to them and ask about their condition. The medical difficulties they experience may not be consequences of cocaine use. To be sure, contact our counsellors, we can advise you personally based on the specifics of your situation.

Ocular Bone Damage

One of the most severe eye-related effects of cocaine use is ocular bone damage. The bones around the eyes become weakened and brittle, leading to a condition called orbitopathy. This can cause the eyes to sink back into their sockets. It makes the person appear to have sunken eyes. In severe cases, this condition can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Nystagmus

Another eye-related effect of cocaine use is nystagmus. Nystagmus is a condition in which the eyes make rapid, involuntary movements. This can cause the person to have difficulty focusing their eyes. It can also lead to double vision or blurred vision. Nystagmus can also be a sign of neurological damage caused by cocaine use.

Retinal Vascular Occlusive Disease (ROVD)

Cocaine use can also lead to a condition called retinal vascular occlusive disease (ROVD). It is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the retina become blocked. This can lead to vision loss and blindness, particularly in people who have been using cocaine for many years. It leads to vision loss or blindness. ROVD is caused by the constriction of blood vessels in the eye, often associated with cocaine use.

Optic Neuropathy

Optic neuropathy is another condition that can be caused by cocaine use. This condition occurs when the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. Optic neuropathy can cause vision loss or blindness and can be a sign of neurological damage caused by cocaine use.

Talc Retinopathy

Talc retinopathy is another condition that can occur in chronic cocaine users. This happens when small particles of talc, a standard cutting agent used to dilute cocaine, enter the bloodstream and are deposited in the small blood vessels of the retina. This can lead to damage to the retina and visual disturbances.

Other Effects of Cocaine on the Eyes

In addition to the abovementioned conditions, cocaine use can have other eye-related effects. Some of them include:

1. Yellow eyes or a yellowish tinge to the whites of the eyes due be a sign of jaundice caused by liver damage due to drug abuse.
2. Bloodshot or swollen eyes due to high blood pressure are also potential complications of cocaine use.
3. Dark circles under the eyes, which are a sign of anaemia or tiredness caused by the effects of the drug on the body
4. Rapid eye movements and twitching are signs of neurological damage caused by cocaine use.

Seek Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at the Providence Projects

If you are struggling with cocaine addiction, seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential. Not only can cocaine use have severe consequences for your physical and mental health, but it can also lead to long-term damage to your eyes. At the Providence Project, we offer a comprehensive cocaine addiction programme that includes medical and psychological assessments, detoxification, and individualised treatment plans to help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.

When we get calls for our residential treatment programme, we always ensure that upon admission, we thoroughly assess our client’s condition. You don’t need to ask. We will review your general health to ensure you are well cared for. Feel free to speak from the POV of the centre, as long as you keep it professional. In addition to our comprehensive addiction treatment programme, we also offer ongoing support and aftercare services to ensure your continued success in recovery. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve lasting sobriety and live a fulfilling life free from addiction.

Contact us today to learn more about our programme and how we can help you overcome addiction and reclaim your life. Take the first step towards a brighter future.