Methamphetamine, or meth, is one of the most highly addictive psychostimulants available, and research by the CDC is showing a sharp rise in the number of users. This illicit and highly potent stimulant directly affects the central nervous system, leading to various physical and psychological manifestations.
While many people associate skin sores and dental problems as the most common of these manifestations, methamphetamine eyes are another clear sign that someone is taking meth. How can you identify meth eyes, though, and what are the long-term impacts of the drug on your vision?
What Do Methamphetamine Eyes Look Like?
Methamphetamine eyes are typically characterized by several key factors, the most common of these being:
- Dilated Pupils: One of the most typical indications of methamphetamine eyes is a dilation of the pupils. Users often have larger pupils than normal and stay enlarged for several hours.
- Bloodshot eyes: Meth use constricts the blood vessels, which can lead to a reddish or bloodshot appearance in the eyes.
- Glossy look: Another distinct look of methamphetamine eyes is an overall glossy appearance. This occurs as the drug stimulates the central nervous system, revealing a shiny and reflective appearance in a person’s eyes.
- Rapid eye movement: Methamphetamine eyes are usually indicated by a rapid and often erratic movement, giving the individual a twitchy appearance. This results from the drug’s stimulation effect on the body, creating a sense of restlessness.
- Discharge: Chronic meth use can be very damaging to the body, especially the eyes. This can cause various issues, including dryness or unusual discharge from underlying health problems.
What Are The Long-Term Complications Of Methamphetamine Eyes?
While the above symptoms are a short-term result of consuming the stimulant, regular consumption can lead to a significant range of long-term issues. One of the first issues is dry eye, with meth leading to reduced production of tears. In turn, this leads to increased feelings of discomfort and irritation throughout the day.
Methamphetamine eyes also damage the blood vessels in the eye and surrounding area, which dramatically increases the risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness. Long-term use also damages the outer part of your eye, known as the corner, which leads to blurred and distorted vision. In extreme cases, corneal transplant surgery is the only way to resolve complications and restore vision.
Taking meth also damages the tissue in the eye, known as the retina, which is responsible for how we view light. The condition, known as Methamphetamine-Associated Retinopathy (MAR), damages the retina’s small blood vessels, leading to blurry vision, issues with visualizing color, and the appearance of blind spots in your field of vision. On rare occasions, meth use can also lead to Retinal Vascular Occlusive Disease (RVOD), which causes immediate and painless loss of vision in one eye.
Read more: What Does Meth Smell Like When Smoked?
Can You Treat Methamphetamine Eyes?
Methamphetamine can have a lasting impact on the eyes. For anyone who thinks that they have developed issues with their visions due to meth use, you must seek immediate support from a medical professional. They can recommend the correct treatment to restore your vision and reduce the impact on your daily life.
This will typically be covered in three key areas:
- Medication: Medication is essential in treating certain conditions, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling, which can improve vision and minimize the irritation or discomfort you are feeling. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops to ease dryness.
- Surgery: Where left untreated, or in more serious cases, surgery may be required to repair any damage that has occurred due to methamphetamine eyes.
- Lifestyle changes: Of course, the best way to prevent methamphetamine eyes is to stop taking the drug. That is why lifestyle support to treat addiction is critical to avoid any further damage from occurring.
Need Help With Meth Addiction?
If you or a loved one are looking for support with methamphetamine addiction, Oasis River Recovery is here to help. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, so our holistic approach is built around individualized care, working closely with each patient around their unique requirements.
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients, and our warm and inviting facility is designed to ensure guests feel comfortable throughout their stay with us. If you want to learn more about our range of services and how we can help you or a loved one, contact our team today.