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If your eyes appear unusually large or protrude from their natural position. You might have a condition called bulging eyes, also known as proptosis. This change in appearance can make you look constantly surprised or startled. Although medical conditions like thyroid issues (specifically Graves’ disease) are a common cause, bulging eyes can also be linked to substance use.

Different types of drugs like cocaine (consumed persistently) can cause severe eye strain or eye bulging due to increased pressure in the eye sockets. Nicotine causes swelling. While marijuana and meth can make your pupils bigger, turn your eyes red, or cause other eye issues.

If not treated early, bulging eyes can cause inflammation, double vision, or extensive destruction of the orbital walls. That’s why recognizing this bulging eye sign (early) is essential. Our licensed drug therapists at Nirvana Recovery have explained everything you need to know about what drugs make your eyes bulge.

What Drugs Cause Bulging Eyes?

If you’re wondering which drugs can cause bulging eyes, it’s likely out of concern for your own health or that of a loved one struggling with substance use. While bulging eyes (proptosis) is not a natural side effect of drug abuse. But certain drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine, can subsequently cause orbital masses and inflammation.

Cocaine: The Most Notable Culprit

Cocaine, a powerful stimulant, affects the nervous system and increases dopamine levels. Consequently, you have dilated pupils and blood vessel expansion in the eyes. This can give the appearance of bulging eyes, especially in chronic users.

Over time, cocaine use may also contribute to vascular damage, eye strain, and dry, red eyes, further enhancing this effect. In rare cases, long-term cocaine use can contribute to conditions associated with true eye bulging, such as:

Orbital swelling due to vascular damage.
Infections or inflammation that put pressure behind the eyes.
Nerve damage that affects eye positioning.

However, cocaine alone does not directly cause true proptosis the way medical conditions like Graves’ disease or tumors do.

Other Drugs and Their Effects

While other drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and certain prescription medications can cause red eyes, pupil changes, or swelling, they are not typically linked to bulging eyes.

Methamphetamine – Causes dilated pupils and eye strain.
Heroin – May lead to droopy eyelids or bloodshot eyes.
Marijuana – Results in bloodshot eyes due to blood vessel expansion.
Prescription Drugs – Some medications can lead to fluid retention or swelling.

Drug abuse can cause changes in your appearance. Meth face, yellow teeth or bulging eyes are all signs of your long term addiction. It is crucial to seek medical attention to address any such changes happening to you or loved ones.

Get Treatment For Your Drug Abuse At Nirvana Recovery!

If you’ve noticed bulging eyes as a result of cocaine or other drug use, it can be alarming, but it could also be a wake-up call. This might be the turning point that pushes you to quit drugs and focus on your health. At Nirvana Recovery, we understand the challenges of overcoming drug addiction. That’s why we offer different levels of care along with a holistic approach to support your journey to recovery from bulging eyes.

Medical Detox & Supervised Withdrawal

We provide IV fluids and medication to flush toxins from the body. This helps to reduce puffiness, swelling, and redness in the eyes caused by substance abuse.

Residential Treatment Program

In our residential treatment program, we incorporate vitamin-rich diets into our daily meals. This helps to restore skin elasticity, reduce swelling, and repair tissue damage caused by drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine.

Inpatient Rehab

In our inpatient cocaine treatment, we provide holistic therapies like yoga and meditation. Such activities help to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing.

Behavioral Therapy & Mental Health Support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices help reduce stress-related eye twitching, bags under the eyes, and other visible signs of long-term drug use.

The Bottom Line

Bulging eyes is a condition that can be caused by drug addiction. If you or a loved one is experiencing this, it’s important to take action right away. Treating this condition early on can help preserve vision and prevent further complications.

And if drug addiction is the root cause, now is the time to have an open conversation about recovery. Addressing the issue head-on and seeking the right level of care can make all the difference in regaining control over your life.

At Nirvana Recovery, we understand how challenging drug addiction can be. As an ADHS-licensed facility, we’re committed to working with you to create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on healing the body, mind, and spirit. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, call us today at (480) 764-2335 for a free consultation.

FAQs

How can I prevent protruding eye symptoms from getting worse?

To slow down the progression of symptoms, consider these steps:

Manage thyroid levels: If your thyroid disease is part of the issue, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Consistent medication and regular blood tests are key to maintaining balanced thyroid levels.
Quit smoking: Smoking can interfere with the effectiveness of treatments for bulging eyes. Giving up smoking can drastically improve how your body responds to the treatment.

Can bulging eyes go back to normal?

Yes. While treatment can often be effective, it’s important to note that it may take some time for your eye to fully return to its normal position. But, in certain cases, it can take years.

Why is there redness around the iris after cocaine use?

When you consume cocaine, it triggers the narrowing of blood vessels all over the body, especially in areas like the sinuses and face. As a result, the blood vessels in the eyes may become more visible and turn red.
This effect is similar to pupil dilation, appearing soon after the drug is used. But it can last longer. Ranging from several hours to even a few days.

What does it feel like living with proptosis?

When your eyes protrude more than usual, it can alter your appearance and, in turn, affect your self-confidence.
This change can be more than just cosmetic. If it also begins to affect your vision, everyday tasks may become more challenging.
This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed as you struggle to adapt to these changes.

How can I cope with the bulging eye challenges?

Managing negative thoughts and feelings can be difficult, but with support from our licensed mental health professionals, it doesn’t have to be.
By using CBT, we help you explore ways to cope with those feelings so you can improve your mental well-being and feel better day by day.

I am a meth user. Will I have dilated pupils?

Methamphetamine works as a strong stimulant, which activates your body's "fight or flight" system. As part of this response, the pupils dilate.
This allows the eyes to take in more light, helping the brain stay alert and focused. As a result, the eyes may appear more wide-open and bulging.

Does Exophthalmos place pressure on the optic nerve?

Yes, Exophthalmos, also known as bulging eyes, places pressure on the optic nerve, which is the crucial pathway that connects the eye (retina) to the brain. This pressure can permanently alter your vision.

What is the most common cause of proptosis (bulging eyes)?

One of the main causes of proptosis is an overactive thyroid gland. Also known as hyperthyroidism. This gland, found in your neck, becomes too active and produces more hormones than necessary.
Other causes. For example, infections or injuries affecting the area around the eyes (which are less common) can also cause bulging eyes.