Red, droopy, or bloodshot eyes are one of the most common signs of marijuana use. Often called “high eyes” or “stoned eyes,” this reaction can happen whether someone is smoking, vaping, or using edibles. Although high eyes are not usually a serious medical issue, it’s still helpful to understand what causes them, what symptoms to look for, and how to find relief if your eyes don’t bounce back as quickly as expected.
By the end of this article, you’ll know more about:
What you will learn:
- What high eyes are
- Why marijuana causes them
- How THC affects vision
- What the symptoms are and how long they last
- Which other substances cause similar changes in the eyes
- How to make stoned eyes go away faster
- Where to find support for high eyes and substance misuse
If you or a loved one is experiencing uncomfortable or persistent side effects related to marijuana or other substances, PAX Memphis Recovery Center can help. Reach out today to speak with a member of our care staff about program options, insurance coverage, and more.
What Are High Eyes?
High eyes refer to the way your eyes look and feel after using marijuana. Some people may also refer to it as stoned eyes. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the condition include:
- Puffy or droopy eyelids
- Pupils that are larger than usual
- Dryness or a gritty feeling in the eyes
- A shiny or glassy appearance
- Red or irritated whites of the eyes
High eyes are not dangerous by themselves, but they can be uncomfortable or make you feel self-conscious, especially when you’re in public.
How Does Weed Cause High Eyes?
The main reason eyes get red after cannabis use is because THC causes your blood pressure to drop. When that happens, the small blood vessels in your eyes widen, which increases blood flow and gives the whites of your eyes a red or pink tint.
This can happen even if the marijuana isn’t smoked. People who consume edibles or use oils still experience red eyes because the THC enters the bloodstream and produces the same effect. Other factors that can contribute to high eyes or make it worse include:
- Lack of blinking while high, which dries out the eyes more
- Mild allergic reactions to cannabis itself
- Irritation from smoke or indoor air
- Dry eyes from reduced tear production
If your eyes are already sensitive or dry, the effect can be stronger and last longer.
How THC Affects Vision
Besides making your eyes look red or glassy, cannabis can also temporarily affect how you see. Most of the time, these changes are not dangerous, but they can still be disorienting. Here are a few common short-term effects:
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision or trouble focusing
- Mild double vision or distorted depth perception
- Slower adjustment between light and dark
Some people say that things look brighter or sharper, but that usually has more to do with how your brain processes things while high than any true change in your vision. There are also potential long-term effects for those who are heavy or daily users of marijuana. These can include:
- Slower visual reaction times
- Early signs of optic nerve stress
- Reduced contrast sensitivity, which makes it harder to tell light from dark
More research is still coming out, but several studies suggest frequent marijuana use may affect certain parts of the visual system. This is especially true in young users whose brains and eyes are still developing.
Do Other Drugs Cause Stoned Eyes?
Beyond marijuana, many other substances can cause visible changes in the eyes. Some overlap with the effects of cannabis, while others cause different symptoms:
- Opioids: Tiny pinpoint pupils, slow blinking
- Benzodiazepines: Tired-looking eyes, sluggish blinking
- Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms): Very wide pupils, extreme light sensitivity
- Cocaine or Meth: Large pupils, dry or irritated eyes
- Alcohol: Glossy or bloodshot eyes, drooping eyelids
Not all red or glassy eyes are caused by weed. Knowing the difference can help you understand what you’re experiencing or recognize the signs in someone else.
How Long Do High Eyes Last?
For most people, stoned eyes don’t last very long. The redness and puffiness usually fade as the effects of THC wear off, but several things can make symptoms linger:
- Taking higher doses of THC, especially in edible form
- Being dehydrated or sleep deprived
- Using potent strains or concentrates
Cannabis affects everyone a little differently, so the amount of time it stays in your system can vary, even between you and someone with a similar build or tolerance.
In most cases, the redness lasts anywhere from one to four hours. Glassiness or puffiness can hang around longer, sometimes lasting up to a full day. Pupil changes may also be visible for several hours, depending on the dose and how it was taken. If your eyes still look or feel irritated the next day, it may be from dry air, screen time, or lack of sleep instead of just the THC. In some cases, it could point to something other than high eyes.
How to Get Rid of High Eyes
While you can’t instantly reverse the effects of cannabis, there are some safe and simple ways to reduce the look and feel of high eyes:
Try Eye Drops
Use over-the-counter eye drops designed for redness or dry eyes. These can shrink swollen blood vessels and help rehydrate the eye surface.
Look for drops labeled:
- “Redness relief”
- “Lubricating”
- “Artificial tears”
Avoid using redness drops too often, as this could lead to rebound redness, where the eyes actually get worse over time.
Use a Cold Compress
Place a cold, damp cloth over your eyes for five to 10 minutes. The cool temperature can reduce swelling and make the blood vessels smaller, easing both redness and puffiness.
Get Fresh Air
Step outside or crack a window to let in some fresh air, which can clear out smoke or stale indoor air that may be irritating your eyes. Natural light can also help your pupils return to normal.
Take a Nap
Take a short nap or close your eyes for a while. Rest gives your eyes time to heal and rehydrate. You can also use a few drops of artificial tears before resting to help soothe them even more.
Hydrate
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated keeps your eyes from drying out and helps your body make more tears. If you’re dehydrated, red or irritated eyes can get worse.
Knowing When to Seek Help for High Eyes
While high eyes are one of the most recognizable side effects of marijuana, they’re usually more inconvenient than dangerous. However, if you’re experiencing stoned eyes often, it could mean you’re using more heavily or frequently than intended. Over time, this may point to growing dependence or addiction.
If you’re feeling unsure about your habits or are looking for support, contact PAX Memphis Recovery Center at any time. Our team can help you figure out what’s going on and get you the tools and resources you need to feel better.
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