What Does It Mean If Someone Has “Meth Eyes”?

What Are Meth Eyes Exactly?

“Meth eyes” is an informal term that refers to methamphetamine’s physical effects on a person’s eyes. Typically, the presence of meth eyes results in noticeable physical effects like dilated pupils, eye redness, and rapid blinking. Meth eyes can also refer to less noticeable effects, such as blurry vision, blind spots, and other forms of visual impairment.

Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. They can also reveal a dangerous drug addiction, in some cases. The presence of meth eyes can be an indication of meth abuse or addiction. Meth eyes can also be a sign of harmful effects on a person’s eyes and vision. There are other serious effects of methamphetamine use to consider, including the risk of addiction and physical dependence.

Methamphetamine use disorder is a serious medical condition that should be addressed promptly with evidence-based treatment. The longer a person abuses meth, the more difficult it might be to stop. Methamphetamines also harm the brain and the body, leading to worsening health conditions over time.

What Do Meth Eyes Look and Feel Like?

A person’s eyes may look and function differently after taking methamphetamines. This effect is colloquially referred to as “meth eyes”. Typically, loved ones are interested in the signs of meth eyes as a possible indicator of methamphetamine use. Meth use can also have serious effects on a person’s overall health and well-being, including addiction and dependence.

Visible Signs Of Meth Eyes

There are some visible signs of meth eyes in someone who has recently taken methamphetamines or who chronically abuses methamphetamines, including: [1]

• Dilated pupils
• Rapid eye movements and rapid blinking
• Bloodshot eyes

Keep in mind that these signs don’t necessarily mean a person is abusing methamphetamines, but it could be one piece of a larger puzzle.

Less Visible Signs of Meth Eyes

There are some other signs of meth eyes that only meth users may notice, such as: [2]

• Blurry vision
• Blind spots
• Visual hallucinations

If a loved one complains about these symptoms, and there are other signs of methamphetamine use, it could be a cause for concern.

Effects of Meth on Eye Health

The noticeable effects of meth use represent just one side of the coin. On the other side, methamphetamines can cause serious damage to the eyes, resulting in vision loss as well as symptoms and conditions like: [3]

• Vision impairment
• Cortical blindness
• Scotoma
• Retinal vascular occlusive disease
• Glaucoma
• Nystagmus
• Torn retina
• Reduced blood flow to the eyes
• Retinopathy
• Corneal ulcers

Some meth-related eye conditions, such as retinopathy or early glaucoma, may not cause symptoms initially. It’s important to get regular vision screenings for early detection of any existing eye problems. This could be especially true for meth users.

What Is Meth?

The use of methamphetamines, or meth, causes meth eyes. Crystal meth, also referred to as ‘ice’ or ‘Tina,’ is a street form of methamphetamine, a potent synthetic stimulant. Meth is one of the most frequently abused drugs in the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified meth as a Schedule II controlled substance. [4 ]

The prescription form of methamphetamine, sold as Desoxyn, is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and exogenous obesity, but its use is rare due to its high abuse potential. This medical use is carefully monitored by a healthcare professional who is aware of the risks of meth abuse and addiction.

Meth is only available by a non-refillable prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. [5] Any other use of this substance, including recreational use, is illegal and considered substance abuse.

What Does Meth Do?

Methamphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. Many meth users report experiencing a temporary “high” or feeling of euphoria. Since this feeling can be both intense and fleeting, people can become addicted quickly. They may continue chasing the initial high, crashing, and then experience intense cravings, causing the cycle to begin again and again.

Dangers of Meth Use

Illicit methamphetamine is among the most harmful stimulants commonly abused in the United States, with high addiction potential and severe long-term health consequences. There are many dangers of using methamphetamines, and some of them are life-threatening.

Short-Term Side Effects of Meth Use

Some of the short-term effects of using methamphetamines include: [6]

• Pupil dilation
• High blood pressure
• High body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Many people get addicted to meth and abuse it on a long-term basis. These people face additional, long-term effects of methamphetamine use, such as: [7]

• Drastic weight loss
• Mental health effects like anxiety and confusion
• Itchy skin
• Sores on the skin from scratching
• Meth mouth
• Rotting teeth and other dental problems

Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse & Addiction

Meth eyes can be one indicator of methamphetamine abuse and methamphetamine addiction, but there are other potential signs such as: [8]

• Extreme weight loss due to a lack of appetite
• Memory problems
• Changes in facial appearance (i.e., meth mouth)
• Paranoia (A meth user may become distrustful of family members or close friends.)
• Agitation and irritability
• Psychotic episodes (i.e., hallucinations and/or delusions)
• Aggressive behavior
• Spending an excessive amount of time using meth, recovering from meth, or acquiring meth
• Change in sleeping habits
• Using meth in dangerous situations
• Needed more meth to have the same effect (i.e., building tolerance)
• Trying to quit or cut back on meth without success
• Experiencing meth cravings
• Continuing to abuse meth despite it causing problems with work, school, or relationships
• Continuing the drug abuse despite it exacerbating medical or mental health conditions
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of meth wear off (i.e., physical dependence)

If you or a loved one is demonstrating several of the above signs of meth addiction, with or without the presence of meth eyes, it could mean you have a problem with meth. Treatment is available, but it is crucial to act quickly. Meth addiction will only continue to get stronger if left untreated.

Helping Someone With a Meth Problem

If you think you or someone you love has a substance use problem, it’s imperative to get professional help. Since methamphetamines carry a high risk of addiction, it may not be safe or effective for methamphetamine users to try to quit on their own. They may require medical detox due to the severe side effects of meth withdrawal.

Signs of Meth Withdrawal

Some withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia, may resemble the comedown effects of meth but are physiologically distinct. There are other symptoms of withdrawal from meth, including: [9]

• Intense cravings
• Insomnia
• Low energy
• Depression
• Increase in appetite
• Paranoid thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating

Signs of withdrawal from methamphetamines may indicate addiction or physical dependence. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, you may want to begin exploring your treatment options.

Help Is Available for Meth Addiction

Continued methamphetamine use is a sign of a treatable substance use disorder, not a reflection of moral character. It means that there may be a medical condition (i.e., addiction) that needs to be treated. Just like many other medical conditions, you won’t get better unless you seek assistance from a qualified professional. There continues to be a stigma regarding addiction in the United States. Don’t let this stop you from asking for help. Everyone deserves quality care for substance use disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Eyes