Why Do Eyes Get Red When High?

Red and bloodshot eyes are one of the most telling signs of marijuana use. High eyes, also known as marijuana eyes, are usually harmless but can leave people feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious.

This page explores what causes high eyes, why some people experience them more than others, and how to manage or prevent them. You will also discover how to connect with effective and compassionate treatment for substance abuse.

High Eyes (Weed Eyes, Stoner Eyes)—What Does it Mean?

High eyes—also described as stoned eyes or weed eyes—are one of the most common side effects of using marijuana. This reaction is triggered by THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

While red eyes are usually a minor irritant and inconvenience, they are one of the clearest indicators that someone has used marijuana. High eyes can result from any form of marijuana use, whether from smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles.

Why Weed Makes Your Eyes Go Red

The main reason weed causes red eyes is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When you consume marijuana, THC enters your bloodstream and lowers your blood pressure. This dip in blood pressure causes the capillaries—tiny blood vessels in the eyes—to dilate or expand. Your eyes take on a red, bloodshot appearance as more blood flows through these vessels.

Some people mistakenly believe that smoke from marijuana irritates the eyes and causes redness. While smoke may act as an irritant, high eyes are mainly caused by THC—this is why edibles, which don’t involve smoke, can still redden eyes.

The amount of redness depends on the THC content of the marijuana and individual sensitivity. Some people experience intense redness even with small amounts of THC, while others may notice only a mild effect.

Why Do Some People’s Eyes Not Get Red After Smoking?

Not everyone experiences red eyes after using marijuana. Reasons may include:

• Tolerance levels: Those who use marijuana regularly often develop a tolerance to its effects, including eye redness. Over time, the body might react less intensely to THC, resulting in minimal eye redness.
• Genetics: Some people are less sensitive to the blood pressure changes provoked by THC. Lower sensitivity in ocular blood vessels may prevent red eyes.
• Cannabis strain: Different strains contain varying levels of THC and CBD. Strains with lower THC are less likely to cause red eyes.
• Health and hydration: Staying hydrated and maintaining overall eye health can reduce the chances of developing red eyes. Dehydration can make redness more pronounced.

Why Weed Makes Your Eyes Water

Some people may also notice their eyes watering after using marijuana. Causes include:

• Irritation from smoke: Smoking or vaping can irritate eyes, triggering tear production as a protective response.
• Cannabinoid effects: THC interacts with receptors that regulate tear production, potentially increasing tearing.
• Dryness followed by overcompensation: Marijuana can reduce tear production, causing eyes to overcompensate and produce more tears.

Can You Get Red Eyes from Edibles?

Edibles can cause red eyes even without smoke or inhalation. THC from edibles enters the bloodstream via the liver and affects blood pressure and blood vessels, similar to smoking. Timing and intensity may differ compared to smoking marijuana.

Factors influencing red eyes from edibles include:

• Dose: Higher THC doses are more likely to cause red eyes.
• Metabolism: Individual THC processing affects how noticeable redness is.
• Strain type: Edibles made from high-THC strains will have stronger effects on eyes.

How to Get Rid of High Eyes Fast

Red or bloodshot eyes after using marijuana can be inconvenient, especially when you need to look presentable. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce redness and help your eyes return to normal.

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps your body recover faster. Water flushes THC from your system and can reduce redness, making your eyes feel more comfortable.
• Apply a cold compress: A cold compress can shrink blood vessels in your eyes, reducing redness. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for 10 minutes.
• Get some rest: Resting your eyes can reduce irritation. Close your eyes for a few minutes in a quiet space to allow them to recover from strain or dryness.
• Avoid bright lights: Bright lights can worsen redness and irritation. Stay in a dimly lit area while your eyes recover.
• Limit THC intake: If red eyes are recurring, consider using products with lower THC content or discontinuing marijuana use to prevent blood vessel dilation in your eyes.

Use Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are an effective remedy for stoned eyes. These over-the-counter eye drops hydrate and soothe your eyes, reducing both redness and irritation quickly. Key tips include:

• Choose the right drops: Look for eye drops designed for redness relief, like Visine or Rohto, which contain tetrahydrozoline to constrict blood vessels and reduce redness.
• Apply correctly: Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and place one or two drops in each eye. Blink a few times to spread the liquid evenly.
• Avoid overuse: Using eye drops too often can cause dependence. Follow the instructions and use sparingly.
• Contact lens users: Ensure your chosen drops are safe with contacts; some are formulated specifically for this purpose.

How to Get Rid of High Eyes Fast Without Eyedrops

If you don’t have access to eye drops or prefer natural methods, try these remedies:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps reduce redness by rehydrating your body and improving blood flow. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration.
• Use cold spoons: Chill metal spoons in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Place the rounded side over closed eyes to constrict blood vessels and reduce redness.
• Blink frequently: Blinking produces natural tears to soothe dryness and wash away irritants.
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoky or dusty environments, which can worsen redness.
• Eat foods high in vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes healthy blood vessels. Oranges, strawberries, or bell peppers may support eye health and reduce redness over time.

These natural remedies may take longer than eye drops but are effective alternatives.

Does Smoking Marijuana Affect Eye Health?

Occasional marijuana use is unlikely to cause serious damage, but long-term use may affect eye health. Effects can include:

• Impact on vision: Regular marijuana use can slow retinal cell function, affecting how you perceive motion or light changes.
• Increased risk of dry eye syndrome: Chronic use can provoke eye dryness, sometimes requiring medical intervention.
• Potential for glaucoma relief: THC can temporarily reduce eye pressure, but it’s not a long-term treatment.
• Overall eye strain: Heavy use may cause persistent redness and irritation, straining delicate blood vessels.

If you notice changes in vision or persistent eye problems, consult an eye doctor for personalized advice.

Can Eye Doctors Tell If You Smoke Weed?

During an eye exam, doctors assess eye health and look for issues. While red or bloodshot eyes can indicate marijuana use, other factors like allergies, fatigue, or dry eyes can cause similar effects.

Smoking before an exam may show signs like redness, dryness, or slightly dilated pupils, but these symptoms alone don’t conclusively indicate marijuana use. Eye doctors focus on eye health rather than judging personal habits or drug use.

More importantly, if you use marijuana regularly and experience symptoms like ongoing redness, dryness, or vision problems, it’s a good idea to inform your eye doctor. This information can help them provide tailored care and detect potential long-term effects like retinal issues or dry eye syndrome that may require attention.

How To Know If You’re Addicted to Weed

Marijuana addiction—marijuana use disorder—can develop over time. Here are some of the most common signs:

• Craving marijuana: Do you find yourself thinking about marijuana often? Feeling like you can’t go a day without it could indicate growing dependence.
• Building tolerance: Needing more marijuana to achieve the same effects is a common sign of addiction. This can lead to increased use, deepening dependence.
• Loss of control: If you try to moderate consumption but struggle, it may indicate addiction.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or social events because of marijuana use is a red flag. Addiction often causes prioritizing drug use over other important areas of life.
• Social isolation: Avoiding social situations where marijuana isn’t available or accepted can damage relationships and make recovery harder.
• Withdrawal symptoms upon quitting: Irritability, anxiety, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping when you stop using marijuana can signal mounting dependence. These symptoms may feel overwhelming enough to make quitting seem impossible.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to seek help. Addiction is progressive, but recovery is possible with targeted support.

Get Compassionate Addiction Help Covered by Insurance at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you care about needs help, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We treat all addictions, including marijuana addiction, at our luxury beachside rehabs in California and Florida.

The outpatient nature of treatment at Renaissance allows you to continue at home, work, or school while receiving compassionate, effective care around your existing commitments.

Every addiction is different, so all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized. Therapies may include:

• Motivational therapies
• Behavioral therapies
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Family therapy
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to reclaim your life from marijuana addiction, call 866-330-9449.

Sources

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5. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2584875/