Crack Eyes

What Is Crack Eye Syndrome?

Crack eye syndrome is a condition that can threaten eyesight. It usually affects both eyes and is often associated with eye infections.

While different forms of cocaine can affect the eyes in different ways, the term “crack eyes” is used to describe the eye problems linked specifically to smoking crack cocaine.

How Does Crack Cocaine Affect the Eyes?

Crack cocaine use can cause both long-term and short-term effects on the eyes.

Cocaine use of any form can cause the pupils to dilate due to activation of the part of the nervous system that controls the fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system). This can make the eyes more sensitive to light.

Smoking crack, specifically, can irritate the eyes and surrounding tissues because of the heat, smoke, and chemical exposure, which can lead to redness, pain, dryness, blurred vision, and damage to the eye surface. Changes to the cornea layers of the eyes are also more closely associated with smoking crack cocaine.

Crack cocaine use can cause several problems, including:

• Red, bloodshot eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Dryness or excessive tearing
• Minor chemical burns to the eyes.
• Sensitivity to light
• Scratches or sores on the cornea
• Pain, blurry vision, or the feeling that something is in the eye
• Eye infections from eye surface damage
• Weakened protective barriers of the eye
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Trouble focusing
• Rapid or jerky eye movements
• Glaucoma

Some of these conditions may be reversible if caught early, but others may result in permanent damage at the time of diagnosis.

What Causes Crack Eyes?

Some of the most noticeable signs of crack cocaine use in the eyes include redness, light sensitivity, and dilated pupils. These symptoms can indicate recent or prolonged cocaine use. Crack smoke may cause eye inflammation and irritation. At the same time, decreased blood flow due to the constricted blood vessels can damage the tissues of the nose and eyes. This can lead to ongoing damage and an inability for the eyes to heal, which can result in increased infections.

Crack cocaine smoke may also numb the cornea, which decreases the blink reflex. Reduced blinking causes the eyes to become drier, increasing the likelihood of inflammation. The combination of inflammation and dryness makes it more likely that people will rub their eyes, which can cause physical damage to the cornea and introduce bacteria that can cause an infection. This can result in peripheral ulcerative keratitis and eye ulcers.

Dilation of the eyes results from how cocaine affects neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine.

What Do Crack Eyes Look Like?

Crack cocaine eye symptoms, such as bloodshot eyes, dryness, and dilated pupils, may appear within minutes of use. This can depend on whether the eye damage is short-term or long-term. Those experiencing crack eyes may exhibit:

• Dilated pupils due to nervous system stimulation
• Squinting or the use of sunglasses at unusual times due to light sensitivity
• Bloodshot or red eyes from constriction and dilation of blood vessels
• Dryness or irritation with frequent rubbing
• Rapid movements from the stimulant effects of cocaine

Long-Term Effects Of Crack On The Eyes

Exophthalmos and upper eyelid retraction are long-term side effects of crack cocaine use, while vision loss can result from damage to the optic nerve or from blockage of the retinal artery, leading to retinal damage.

Additionally, glaucoma is also a long-term complication of cocaine use that can potentially cause damage to the eyes and blindness. Glaucoma occurs due to damage to the optic nerve, as well as how cocaine affects blood pressure and eye fluids.

How Long Will Eyes Stay Dilated After Smoking Crack?

Cocaine use can cause rapid effects on the eyes. Inhalation of cocaine may cause eye dilation within a few seconds that can last for 5 to 7 minutes.

Other effects of cocaine on the eyes may take much longer to appear and may last for extended periods of time.

Medical Treatment For Crack Eyes

Eye-related symptoms like chronic redness, corneal damage, and sensitivity to light may be early signs of crack addiction. The first step in the management of this condition is to stop using cocaine immediately.

The short-term symptoms, such as light sensitivity and dry eye, can be addressed by treating them. At-home methods include:

• Wearing sunglasses and avoiding bright lights to address light sensitivity.
• Maintaining adequate hydration.
• Using artificial tears or cold compresses to help reduce dryness and redness.

An eye specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, may be needed to treat some of the long-term complications of cocaine use on the eyes.

• Glaucoma is often treated with eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Infections may require antibiotic treatment.
• Eye ulcers may be treated with drops or protective lenses to help the eyes heal.

Unfortunately, not all of the effects of cocaine use on the eyes are reversible. The earlier that eye conditions are identified and treated, the more likely it is that vision can be preserved or potentially restored. Prompt evaluation by an eye specialist is critical.

While stopping cocaine use is the crucial first step in treating crack eyes, treatment of an underlying cocaine addiction can be the permanent solution to the physical and psychological problems related to crack cocaine use.

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Treatment Options For Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine is incredibly addictive and dangerous. Fortunately, there are several options for treating cocaine addiction, usually using a multidisciplinary approach, which includes medical treatment and therapy in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

If you are concerned about cocaine addiction or other substance use disorders, explore your treatment options by visiting our rehab directory or contact a treatment provider today to get started.