How Cocaine Affects Your Eyes: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made from the coca plant, frequently called “coke,” “blow,” or “snow.” Often snorted as a powder, this drug is also available in crystallized form, called “crack cocaine,” which is usually smoked. Alarmingly, public attitudes on cocaine usage have varied from ambivalent to permissive, making it one of the most socially accepted illegal drugs.

Drug use and substance use disorder of any kind can have negative impacts on one’s health, and cocaine is no exception. It is critical to understand the changes cocaine can trigger in a person’s appearance, along with their physical and mental well-being.

One of the most common effects of cocaine use is known as “cocaine eyes.” Below, we’ll discuss how to identify cocaine eyes, what causes it, and how cocaine can impact eye health and overall wellness.

What are Cocaine Eyes?

The term “cocaine eyes” — sometimes called “cocaine pupils” — refers to the physical appearance of a cocaine user’s eyes. Cocaine is a stimulant, which causes pupils to dilate and blood vessels to constrict, leading to a bloodshot, sometimes watery look. It’s important to note that looking for these signs is not a reliable indicator of cocaine use. Similar eye conditions can be caused by many other factors. However, if you suspect someone you know is using cocaine, you may notice these symptoms.

How Cocaine Addiction Affects the Eyes

Cocaine usage typically has a quick and noticeable impact on the eyes. When snorted, cocaine eyes may be seen after just a few moments, lasting around half an hour. When inhaled, the change is almost immediate, and can last around seven minutes. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of cocaine eyes.

Dilated Pupils

Some drugs will cause pupils to constrict, but cocaine has the opposite effect, leading to pupil dilation. Shortly after snorting or smoking cocaine, a user’s pupils will dilate and expand. This is because cocaine triggers a person’s inherent “fight-or-flight” instinct. The pupils widen to allow the person to become more focused and aware. This is seen as a benefit by some cocaine users, but over time, sending the body into frequent fight-or-flight mode has negative consequences.

Redness Around the Iris

Cocaine causes blood vessels throughout the body to constrict, especially in the sinuses and facial region. This can cause blood vessels in the eye to redden and look more prominent. Like pupil dilation, this redness begins shortly after ingestion of the drug but lasts longer — a few hours up to a few days.

Eye Irritation

Eyes can feel dry or irritated after cocaine usage, and they may be quite sensitive to light. Because of this, users frequently rub their eyes, which leads to irritation. It also increases the risk of getting cocaine into your eye area, which can cause significant discomfort and lead to further eye injuries.

Blurred Vision

Due to pupil dilation, cocaine users often have trouble focusing on objects or text that is near to them. Prolonged cocaine usage can also cause cycloplegia, or the paralysis of the eye muscle that helps focus vision.

Eye Effects from Long-Term Cocaine Use

Over time, the risk of eye damage increases dramatically. Regular cocaine users may experience some of these eye conditions:

Other Long-Term Effects of Cocaine and Dangers of Cocaine Use

While the impact to a cocaine user’s eyes and future vision is serious, prolonged cocaine use and addiction can cause even greater health concerns.

Cardiac Damage and Heart Attack

Cocaine use causes blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and making it more difficult for the body to pump blood efficiently. It also greatly increases heart rate. Over time, this added strain on the heart can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks and cardiac arrest.

Neurological Issues

Cocaine use quite literally rewires the brain and central nervous system. As a powerful stimulant, it triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing endorphins and adrenaline. It also disrupts the brain's natural reward system by causing dopamine to build up, leading to impaired judgment and risky behavior. Over time, cocaine use can lead to serious neurological issues, such as strokes, aneurysms, and even Parkinson’s disease.

Psychological Changes

As cocaine affects the brain chemistry, it also results in psychological and behavioral changes. Users may experience panic attacks, paranoia, and even psychosis. Mental health decline is common for ongoing cocaine users, which can then also impair cognitive function.

Treatment and Management

Like any stimulant, cocaine is highly addictive and extremely dangerous. Though substance use disorder is difficult to manage, it can be treated. Here are some of the most effective ways to treat cocaine use disorder.

Physical Intervention

A cocaine user’s loved one may plan an intervention during which the person using the drug is confronted in a compassionate and non-threatening way to urge them to seek out treatment. If you know someone who is using cocaine and are worried for their well-being, you can check out our family support resources to learn how you can help.

Detoxification

Detox happens when a substance is metabolized and purged from a user’s system. It is a difficult and, at times, painful process. When done without medical and psychological support, it can even be dangerous. Detox is, however, highly effective, so if you or someone you know is dealing with cocaine use disorder, there is help available in safe, comfortable inpatient settings and recovery centers.

Mental Health Support

Cocaine use changes behavior and can impact a person’s psychological wellness. When treating substance use disorder, psychological support is just as important as physical care. Practices like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurofeedback can help treat both the brain and body as it works through recovery.

Preventing Eye Damage from Cocaine

One of the big questions is, if you are using cocaine and develop a cocaine dependency, should you quit on your own or get help? This is a very personal decision, but it’s important to remember that quitting alone is not only incredibly difficult, it’s potentially dangerous.

However, whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment for cocaine use disorder, you can work toward protecting your eyes by taking these steps:

How Caron Can Help

Handling cocaine use disorder — whether your own or in a loved one — is never an easy or simple task. However, professional, compassionate treatment options are available and effective. At Caron, we offer both inpatient treatment centers and outpatient addiction treatment, detox management, mental health services, and much more. Contact us to learn more about how we can support you and/or your loved one through this journey.