Cocaine Eyes
Cocaine eyes frequently refer to dilated pupils caused by taking cocaine. This happens because this drug, also known as “speed,” is a potent stimulant. As brain chemicals and endorphins are released at very high levels, the pupil constricts, thus the name cocaine eyes. This problem usually does not develop into something more serious, but can be very embarrassing for users.
One of the possible causes of this phenomenon is damage to one or more of the nerves or pathways controlling the eye. If the pathway is severely damaged, the patient’s vision may become blurry, resulting in cocaine eyes. Another potential reason is the presence of a build-up of scar tissue, which narrows the blood vessels supplying the brain. Any one of these problems can impair blood supply to the visual system. When a person is using cocaine regularly, either of these issues can occur, resulting in the development of painful craters or “crackling” eyes.
In many cases, it is the combination of all of these issues that results in a person developing cocaine eyes. Sometimes, even if the damage has been done to the nerves or pathways controlling the eye, the symptoms will go away once the use of the drug has stopped. For some people, however, the damage has been severe enough that continued use causes the symptoms. If you notice sudden burning sensations or watering of the eyes, tingling in the eyelids, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or other noticeable changes in your vision, you should get to an eye doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms could be warning signs of severe damage to the visual system, such as a ruptured cyst or other problem that could affect your central nervous system.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several treatment options available for those who suffer from cocaine eyes or other complications related to the substance. Doctors may prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory medication, suggest a change in diet, or urge you to take an over the counter remedy to counteract the harmful effects of cocaine. For those whose symptoms are not severe, there are also a number of natural remedies on the market that claim to combat the adverse affects of cocaine and provide temporary relief. The type of treatment you receive will depend on how severe your problem is and should be discussed with your doctor.
When it comes to dealing with the negative effects of cocaine eyes, there are also a number of lifestyle changes that can be made in order to overcome the problem. It has been established that the majority of drug addicts suffer from some degree of depression, and the same can be said for those who abuse cocaine. The constant use of the substance destroys the balance of chemicals in the brain, which in turn results in changes in mood and behavior. The most effective way to treat cocaine eyes and other related issues is to undergo therapy and counseling in order to achieve stability in the brain and learn new ways of dealing with addiction.
Unfortunately, many users of cocaine eyes do not seek help when their problems first arise. It’s only later that they come to realize just how serious their problem really is. In addition to losing the ability to see objects at a distance, users of illicit drugs often develop irritable bowel movements (IBD) due to the fact that they feel they have little control over their bowels. These issues can become much more severe if the person who suffers from IBD begins to experience IBD outbreaks on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment methods available for those who suffer from cocaine eyes and other side effects related to the drug.