How Pupils on Methamphetamine Reveal Hidden Signs of Stimulant Misuse
Authored By:
Raleigh Souther
Edited By:
Chase Mcquown
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Alejandro Alva
- Last Updated:
Recognizing the signs of methamphetamine use in a loved one can be crucial for providing timely help and support. One of the most notable symptoms of meth abuse is enlarged pupils, a visible change that is easy to spot even without medical training. While dilated pupils can be caused by many other factors, drugs—including meth—affect the sympathetic nervous system and lead to short-term mydriasis (pupil dilation).
In our guide, we will explain why meth use causes changes in eye appearance and review other signs of meth addiction you may want to look out for. You will also learn about the long-term consequences of meth abuse for eye health and find out how to help a person struggling with meth addiction.
Why Does Methamphetamine Affect Pupils?
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that induces the release of neurotransmitters—norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Increased levels of these chemicals affect the normal functioning of the brain and the body—for instance, norepinephrine is responsible for the fight-or-flight response that leads to temporary pupil dilation.
From an evolutionary standpoint, enlarged pupils make it easier to see in the dark and react to threats in low-light conditions. When a person is getting ready to fight or run away from danger, their sympathetic nervous system is activated, and their pupils dilate for a short time.
Short-Term Effects of Meth on Eye Health
Besides pupil dilation that may remain for several hours after meth consumption, meth use has several temporary adverse effects on eye health:
- Blurry vision. When the brain is stimulated, and a person becomes euphoric after taking meth, their vision may be affected for a few hours.
- Rapid eye movement. Also known as nystagmus, this symptom may appear when a person is high on meth—their eyes will move or “vibrate” uncontrollably.
- Bloodshot eyes. Meth causes dehydration, which may lead to dry eyes and reduced production of tears.
Long-Term Consequences of Meth Use for Vision
Chronic meth abuse and addiction are often accompanied by persistent vision problems. Here are a few long-term issues with eye health that a meth user may suffer from:
- Corneal damage. If a person keeps rubbing their eyes to deal with dryness and never gets treatment for this issue, they may scratch the surface of the eye and even require surgery to repair the cornea.
- Vision loss. While rare, this severe complication may take place—meth restricts the flow of blood to the eyes and harms the blood vessels in the eyes.
- Occipital lobe damage. Prolonged meth use negatively affects the brain, including the part of the brain responsible for vision processing. In this case, a person may need both addiction treatment and vision therapy to recover.
Other Physical Symptoms of Meth Use
There are many signs of meth addiction you can notice without being a medical professional; however, it is important to keep an eye on the behavioral changes of the person as well to make sure they get the help they need. Here are a few symptoms of meth use to be on the lookout for:
- Dental problems. Also called “meth mouth,” this symptom is typical for meth addiction—tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain are common for meth users.
- Skin damage. People who suffer from meth addiction often develop acne and sores on their skin—this happens due to poor blood flow and nutrition, obsessive skin picking, and lack of personal hygiene.
- Weight loss. Meth is known for its appetite-suppressing properties—addiction to this drug may lead to malnourishment.
How to Support a Person Struggling With Meth Addiction
Speak to the person you are worried about Once you have spotted the symptoms of meth use, talk to your friend or family member, express your concern, and encourage them to go to a doctor to get a professional diagnosis.
Offer your support during the treatment. Whether the person decides to tackle their addiction on their own or goes to a rehabilitation facility to enlist the help of a professional therapist, be there for them. Remind them of the triggers that lead to drug use and celebrate their milestones on the way to recovery.
Get in touch with a mental health professional. Reach out to a therapist who specializes in substance use disorders to get valuable advice tailored to the circumstances of your loved one. A doctor will be able to diagnose meth addiction and come up with a personalized treatment plan that suits the patient.
FAQs
What do pupils look like after meth use?
When a person takes meth, their pupils become larger than normal. The drug affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to the activation of the fight-or-flight response and short-term pupil dilation.
What drugs make your pupils big?
Several substances may cause pupil dilation. Methamphetamine is not the only drug that leads to this symptom; for instance, cocaine does. MDMA and LSD are known to affect the size of the pupils
What are the visual symptoms of meth addiction?
Meth use negatively impacts eye health. In the short term, it can lead to pupil dilation and blurry vision, and if a person abuses meth for a long time, they may suffer from chronic dry eye and even vision loss.
Does meth affect your vision?
Meth users often struggle with eye problems—from short-term issues such as eye redness and sensitivity to light to long-term complications that may require surgery to be resolved. If you have noticed changes in your vision after taking meth, make sure to see a doctor.
How does meth affect you physically?
Meth use negatively impacts eye health. Meth users often struggle with eye problems, from short-term issues such as eye redness and sensitivity to light to long-term complications that may require surgery to be resolved. If you have noticed changes in your vision after taking meth, make sure to see a doctor.
Reach Out to Visalia Recovery Center for Help
Pupil dilation is one of the key symptoms of meth use—this drug affects the neurotransmitters in the brain and leads to short-term and long-term vision problems. If you have noticed changes in the size of your pupils and spotted other signs of meth addiction in yourself or a loved one, make sure to talk to a mental health professional and get adequate treatment.
Our team at Visalia Recovery Center is here to assist you. Call us to schedule a visit to our facility and start the journey to recovery from meth addiction.
