Meth is a potent stimulant drug that can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. Abusing it will lead to a long-term addiction that causes endless adverse physical and mental health effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2.5 million people reported abusing meth in 2021.[1]
If you know someone who abuses meth, you are probably aware of effects like paranoia, rapid weight loss, and meth mouth or dental problems. You might have also witnessed meth users experiencing visual hallucinations after being awake for several days at a time. While these are all common risks of abusing meth, there are other health concerns you should know about.
Meth is known to cause an array of side effects on your eyes. You could experience pupil dilation, dryness, discharge, bloodshot eyes, rapid eye movements, and a condition known as retinal vascular occlusive disease (ROVD). This condition can cause vision loss if it is not properly treated.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the effects of meth
- How does meth affect the eyes
- What are the long-term effects of meth on the eyes
What are the Effects of Meth?
Meth is considered a central nervous system stimulant. That means it speeds up activity in your brain and body. Because of the way meth affects your central nervous system, it is habit-forming and highly addictive.
The common effects of meth include:[2]
- Increased energy and focus
- A rush of euphoria
- Increased self-confidence and sociability
- Lessened need for food and sleep
- Sudden weight loss
- Rapid and irregular heart rate
- Increased blood pressure and body temperature
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Symptoms of psychosis
While meth can cause adverse effects, the pleasurable symptoms often lead to addiction. Methamphetamine addiction can be incredibly difficult to overcome, especially without support. If you or someone you love is struggling with meth abuse, seek help from a professional addiction treatment center.
What Does Meth Do to the Eyes?
Meth can affect both the way your eyes look and work. Some effects are temporary, while others could be chronic and long-term conditions.
Dilated Pupils
Meth causes dilated pupils, causing the inner black part of the eye to appear larger. The reason your pupils dilate is because of the way meth interacts with dopamine in your brain.
Dryness or Discharge
Meth abuse can lead to chronically dry eyes. If your eyes are dry consistently, you face a number of risks, including eye infections, corneal damage, and vision loss.
On the other hand, consuming meth can cause discharge in your eyes. While discharge is not necessarily dangerous, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
Glassy or Bloodshot Eyes
Because meth is a stimulant, it can cause your eyes to appear glassy. If you notice that your eyes seem shiny or reflective, it could be due to your meth abuse.
Additionally, meth can lead to bloodshot eyes. This is because meth causes blood vessels in your eyes to dilate, causing the white part of your eyes to appear red.
Rapid Eye Movements
Meth addicts might experience rapid eye movements when they are under the influence. This occurs because meth is causing increased activity in your brain and body. While rapid eye movements are not dangerous, they can be difficult to cope with.
Retinal Vascular Occlusive Disease (RVOD)
Lastly, meth abuse can cause blood clots to form in your eyes. If these blood clots prevent blood flow to your retina, you will develop a condition called retinal vascular occlusive disease (RVOD).
The signs of RVOD include:[3]
- Blurry vision or vision loss
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Pain or pressure in your eyes
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or glaucoma, you are at an increased risk of developing this condition when you consume meth. It is important to note that even if you do not have these underlying conditions, you could still develop RVOD.
Find Help for Meth Abuse and Addiction
The effects of meth on your eyes are wide-ranging, including dilated pupils and long-term conditions. That said, there are other things to be concerned about when you are addicted to meth. It can damage your overall health, lead to mental health issues, and cause malnutrition or dental decay.
Because of these risks, you should always seek professional support for meth addiction. Drug rehab centers can provide you with the tools and skills you need to achieve long-term recovery. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with an addiction treatment center that suits your specific needs.
New Jersey Interventions offers in-depth assessments that help us refer you to the right program for you. We can connect you with a meth addiction treatment program, dual diagnosis rehab, a medical detox center, and more. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
- Medline Plus: Retinal vein occlusion
Medically Reviewed: October 31, 2024
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.