The Window to the Soul
The window to the soul. That is the traditional understanding of our eyes. Maybe this is one of the reasons it is so disconcerting when someone we know and love deeply avoids eye contact. Or if they are okay with it, we see something that seems off. A blank look, dazed, almost like we are looking at someone who is not there. This is often how we feel when we see the glossy eyes from drugs. Interestingly, the person using the substance might not even be aware of the state of their eyes.
If you are experiencing glossy eyes or know someone who is, the signs are there. Glossy eyes can come from drug use. There are multiple substances that cause it; however, other things in our environment may cause this as well. So it’s important to know the difference.
Here are some of the drugs that cause glossy eyes, how it happens, and what to do about it.
The Science Behind Drugs That Cause Glossy Eyes
The scene feels a bit like chaos. Though the person seems a bit calm, the eyes have a strange ability to project instability when they are not working correctly, even when the redness or the glass comes from something like allergies. Aside from how it makes us feel, biologically, the issue is in the tear glands. Some drugs, such as opioids and alcohol, can overstimulate the tear glands. This means they get glassy.
There are also situations where glossy eyes could be a defensive reaction to irritants brought on by drug consumption.
Then you have substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and hallucinogens. In this situation, the central nervous system is affected and causes mydriasis (basically, it’s where a person’s pupil dilatates). When this happens, the reflection in a person’s eyes seems exaggerated. This gives a glossy effect.
Common Drugs and Their Impact on the Eyes
Alcohol
- Causes bloodshot eyes and glassiness from the dilated blood vessels.
- Delayed pupil reaction to light, leading to a dazed appearance.
Marijuana
- Results in red, watery eyes caused by blood vessel dilation.
- Can cause a glossy, glassy look alongside a relaxed gaze.
Opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone)
- Produces pinpoint pupils and slow blinking.
- Gives a glossy or watery appearance from suppressed nervous system activity.
Cocaine and Methamphetamine
- Causes dilated pupils and excessive blinking.
- Leads to dry, glossy eyes due to overstimulation of the nervous system.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
- Induces droopy eyelids and a glassy, unfocused gaze.
- Can slow pupil reflexes, making eyes appear dull.
Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin)
- Enlarges pupils significantly, creating an intense, glossy look.
- Causes eyes to appear dazed or unfocused.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Widens pupils and often makes eyes appear shiny or glassy.
- May also cause involuntary eye movement or rapid blinking.
Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall)
- Leads to dry, glassy eyes from reduced tear production.
- Often causes pupils to dilate and appear unnaturally large.
Recognizing the Signs Beyond Glossy Eyes
It is important to remember drugs are not the only reason for glossy eyes. A person may be deprived of sleep or nuzzling something that causes an allergic reaction. There are several things: windy days, chlorinated water, dehydration, hormones, or plain old sadness.
So how do you know? Communication is the only true way to know if someone has glossy eyes from drugs. However, the first signs of addiction or drug abuse are often the physical ones. Here are a few behaviors to look out for.
- Mood swings
- Difficulty walking or general impaired coordination
- Social withdrawal (or a new group of friends)
- Strange sleeping patterns
- Neglecting responsibilities like work or school
- Heightened anxiety
- Secret behaviors
These are just a start, but if they are present alongside the glossy eyes, the signs may point to drug use.
Drugs that Cause Glossy Eyes: Clearing the Fog
If you believe someone you know (maybe yourself) is abusing certain drugs that cause glossy eyes, there are risks in simply ignoring the signs. When a person has physical symptoms of drug use continually, it is likely that addiction or dependence has already set in.
The way to clear the fog is professional addiction treatment. At Peninsula Health Center, we offer a unique path to addiction treatment outpatient programs. This approach allows the person to find rigorous and evidence-based drug addiction treatment that allows them to live at home and create a program that can, to some degree, fit into their current life.
Getting Addiction Treatment Help in the South Bay Area
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug use and the warning signs like glossy eyes have caught your attention, Peninsula Health Center in the South Bay area of California is here to help. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based treatment, counseling, and holistic support to guide you or your loved one toward recovery.
Take the first step today. Call Peninsula Health Center to schedule a confidential consultation and begin the journey to clarity and wellness. You’re not alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call today: 866-934-8228.
