High Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, & How to Get Rid of It

How to get rid of stoned eyes fast without eyedrops

Updated October 28, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

How to get rid of stoned eyes fast without eyedrops

Marijuana use can cause noticeable changes in your eyes, often leading to what’s commonly known as high eyes or marijuana eyes. These terms refer to the redness and puffiness that many people experience after using the drug. While it’s a common side effect, it can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing to get red eyes when you’re high.

Understanding why this happens and how to get rid of high eyes can help you feel more confident. Read on and discover why high eyes happen and how to get rid of red eyes from smoking weed, as well as how to get effective and compassionate addiction treatment.

 

High Eyes, Stoner Eyes, Weed Eyes—What You Need to Know

When people talk about high eyes, stoned eyes, or weed eyes, they’re referring to the red, puffy look that often follows smoking weed or consuming marijuana in other forms. This can be one of the most obvious signs that someone has used the drug, but why does this happen? 

 

Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Red?

Red eyes, after using weed, are often seen as a signature effect of marijuana. The main culprit is THC, the compound in marijuana that makes you feel high. If you ingest THC by smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles, it enters the bloodstream and causes blood pressure to drop. As your blood pressure drops, the blood vessels and capillaries in your body, including those in your eyes, expand.

This expansion of blood vessels in the eyes is what causes the redness. The more THC you consume, the more pronounced the effect might be. This is why someone who uses a lot of marijuana or consumes a very potent strain might have especially red eyes. It’s also worth keeping in mind that this redness can happen even if you don’t smoke weed. Edibles, tinctures, or any other form of marijuana can also cause your eyes to turn red because the THC still ends up in your bloodstream.

For most people, the redness is just a temporary side effect. It normally lasts a few hours, depending on how much THC you’ve consumed. While it’s usually not a sign of any serious health problems, the redness can be annoying, especially if someone is trying to keep their marijuana use discreet. 

 

Why Do My Eyes Not Get Red When I Smoke?

Not everyone experiences red eyes after using marijuana, and if you’re one of those people, you might wonder why. Well, there are several reasons why your eyes might not get red even when you smoke weed.

Firstly, it could be due to how your body reacts to THC. Everyone’s body is different, and some people’s blood vessels might not expand as much in response to THC. This means less blood flows into the eyes, so they don’t get that classic red-eyed look.

Another reason might be the strain of marijuana a person is using. Different strains have different levels of THC. If someone chooses a strain with lower THC content, they might not experience as much redness.

Additionally, if a person consumes a strain with a higher amount of CBD  – another compound in marijuana –  it might counteract some of the effects of THC, including the redness in your eyes.

Lastly, tolerance level also plays a role. If someone has been using marijuana for a long time, their body might have built up a tolerance to some of its effects, including the red eyes. This doesn’t mean they are immune to other effects of weed, but it might mean that their eyes don’t react as strongly as they used to.

Understanding why your eyes don’t get red can be helpful, but it’s also beneficial to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with marijuana is different – just because your eyes don’t get red doesn’t mean the weed isn’t affecting you in other ways.

 

Why Does Weed Make Your Eyes Water?

Sometimes, after using weed, you might notice that your eyes start to water. This can be another uncomfortable effect of marijuana use, but why does it manifest?

The main reason weed can make your eyes water is due to irritation. When you smoke or vape marijuana, the smoke or vapor can irritate the delicate tissues in your eyes. This irritation can cause your eyes to produce more tears as a way to protect themselves and wash away any irritants. It’s similar to what happens when you get dust or smoke in your eyes – they water to help clear out the irritation.

Another factor is dryness. Marijuana can cause dry eyes, and when your eyes are too dry, they might overcompensate by producing more tears. This might seem confusing – how can your eyes be dry and watery at the same time? It’s because your eyes are trying to restore moisture, but they’re not able to do it effectively, so you end up with a lot of watery tears.

Some people might also be more sensitive to marijuana, and this sensitivity can lead to watery eyes. If your body reacts strongly to the presence of THC, it might trigger a more intense tear response.

Watery eyes are usually just a temporary side effect of marijuana use and should go away on their own after a little while. If your eyes continue to water excessively, it might help to take a break from using marijuana.

 

Do Edibles Make Your Eyes Red?

Marijuana edibles can make your eyes red, just like smoking or vaping marijuana can. The reason is that the THC in edibles still gets into your bloodstream and affects your body in the same way.

When you eat an edible, your body processes the THC through your digestive system and then into your bloodstream. Once the THC is in your blood, it causes your blood vessels and capillaries to expand, just like when you smoke or vape. This includes the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, which is why they can turn red.

One thing to bear in mind is that edibles can sometimes have a stronger and longer-lasting effect than smoking weed. Because of this, you might notice that your eyes stay red for a longer period after consuming edibles – this is because edibles are absorbed more slowly, so the THC stays in your system longer.

Not everyone reacts the same way, though. Some people might find that their eyes don’t get as red from edibles as they do from smoking. This could be due to the different ways your body processes THC when it’s eaten rather than inhaled. Still, if you’re sensitive to THC, you’re likely to experience red eyes no matter how you consume marijuana.

How to Get Rid of Stoned Eyes Fast

One of the fastest and most effective ways to clear up red stoned eyes is by using eye drops specifically designed for redness relief. These drops work by constricting the blood vessels in your eyes, which reduces the blood flow and takes away the red appearance. They usually work within minutes and can be found at most drugstores.

Another quick fix is to use a cold compress. The cold temperature helps to shrink the blood vessels in your eyes, making the redness less noticeable. To do this, simply soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes. You can repeat this process until you see improvement.

Staying hydrated is also important. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the THC from your system more quickly and keep your eyes from getting too dry, which can make redness worse. Hydration won’t work as instantly as eye drops or a cold compress, but it can help over time.

Finally, if you have a little more time, just letting your eyes rest can help. Avoiding bright lights and giving your eyes a break from screens can reduce strain and help the redness go away on its own.

 

Using Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are a simple yet effective solution for stoned eyes. These eye drops are designed to mimic the natural moisture in your eyes, helping to soothe irritation and reduce redness. When you use marijuana, your eyes can become dry and irritated, which can make the redness even more noticeable. Artificial tears can help by adding moisture back into your eyes, which can reduce dryness and help them feel more comfortable.

To use artificial tears, simply follow the instructions on the bottle. Typically, you’ll put one or two drops in each eye and blink a few times to spread the moisture around. You should feel relief within a few minutes. Artificial tears are an excellent option if you’re looking for something gentle and don’t want to use redness-relief drops, which contain stronger ingredients.

Artificial tears are especially helpful if your eyes are not just red but also dry or itchy. They’re widely available and can be used as often as needed, making them a convenient option for managing stoned eyes.

 

How Do I Get Rid of Stoned Eyes Fast Without Eyedrops?

If you don’t have eye drops on hand or prefer not to use them, there are other ways to reduce red eyes quickly. Here are a few methods you can try:

  • Cold compress: As mentioned earlier, a cold compress is one of the best ways to reduce redness naturally. The cold causes the blood vessels in your eyes to constrict, which can lessen the red appearance. You can make a cold compress by soaking a clean cloth in cold water, or you can use an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Apply it to your closed eyes for about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out your system and reduce the overall dryness in your body, including your eyes. When your body is well-hydrated, your eyes are less likely to become dry and irritated, which can help reduce redness.
  • Eat omega-3 rich foods: Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids – fish or flaxseeds, for instance – can help keep your eyes moisturized from the inside out. While this isn’t an instant fix, including these foods in your diet can help prevent dry, red eyes in the long run.
  • Blink more often: Sometimes, your eyes can become red and dry simply because you’re not blinking enough, especially if you’re staring at a screen. Blinking helps to spread natural moisture across your eyes, so take a few moments to close your eyes and blink deliberately.
  • Use a humidifier: If you’re in a dry environment, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help keep your eyes from drying out. This can prevent redness and make your eyes feel more comfortable.

 

These methods can help you manage red eyes without needing to rely on eye drops. While they might take a bit longer to work, they’re effective and natural ways to reduce the appearance of stoned eyes.

 

Can Smoking Weed Affect Eye Health?

Smoking weed can have some effects on your eye health, especially if you use it frequently. While the redness and dryness that often come with marijuana use are usually temporary, there are some potential long-term risks to be aware of.

One concern is that smoking weed over a long period might slow down the function of retinal cells. These cells are important for processing visual information, and if they aren’t working properly, it could affect your ability to see clearly. Some studies suggest that heavy marijuana use might even reduce your ability to perceive contrast and detect motion, which can make things look a bit blurry or less sharp.

Another issue to consider is the impact of smoking itself. Just like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains harmful chemicals that can irritate your eyes and contribute to dryness and discomfort. Over time, this irritation can lead to more serious problems like chronic dry eyes or even damage to the surface of the eye.

Additionally, while marijuana was once thought to help with eye conditions like glaucoma by lowering eye pressure, newer research suggests that this benefit is short-lived and might not be as effective as once believed. In fact, using marijuana frequently might put extra strain on your eyes in the long run. 

Additionally, glaucoma needs treating around the clock, rendering marijuana unsuitable – repeated use of the drug often triggers addiction.

 

How To Know If You’re Addicted to Weed

Wondering if you might be addicted to weed? If you recognize the signs, you can act quickly, and prompt treatments leads to better outcomes. Marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder or marijuana use disorder, can develop over time, especially with regular use.

One of the first signs is finding it hard to cut back or stop using weed, even if you want to. You might tell yourself you’ll take a break, but then find yourself reaching for it again. This loss of control is a key indicator of addiction.

Another sign is if weed starts to take over your life. If you notice that you’re spending more and more time getting high or thinking about when you can use weed next, it might be a problem. You might also start skipping activities you used to enjoy or avoiding responsibilities because you’re too focused on using weed.

Physical dependence can also be a sign. This means you feel like you need weed to function normally. If you go without it, you might experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, or a strong craving to use again.

Pay attention to how weed affects your mood and mental health. If you’re using it to cope with feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress, and it’s becoming your go-to solution for emotional problems, that’s a red flag. Over time, relying on weed in this way can make these issues worse, not better.

Finally, consider if your weed use is causing problems in your relationships, at school, or at work. If people around you are expressing concern, or if you’re missing deadlines or neglecting responsibilities because of weed, it might be time to reevaluate your use.

Identifying these signs early can help you take steps to address the issue before it becomes more serious. If you’re worried about your weed use, reaching out for help is a strong first step toward getting back on track.

Discussing Can eye doctors tell if you smoke weed at Gratitude Lodge

Get Treatment for Drug Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

At Gratitude Lodge in Southern California, we can help you address any form of substance abuse in an immersive inpatient setting.

When you choose medical detox at our Long Beach or Newport Beach rehab centers, you can access 24-hour clinical and emotional care, as well as medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

During ongoing treatment at one of our luxury rehabs by the beach, you can engage with a personalized range of therapies that include:

  • Counseling
  • Talk therapy
  • Motivational therapy
  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Holistic treatments
  • Aftercare

 

When you’re ready to break marijuana dependence, call 844-576-0144.

Want to learn more?

Recent Articles

Begin your journey
to recovery.

Get evidence-based treatment in a peaceful location, with a
team of dedicated, expert staff. 

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
an image of clients representing drug detox california

Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
Gratitude Lodge clients laughing, representing drug detox california

Psychotherapy

An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.
woman at beach representing drug detox in california

Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
an image of a client and therapist at Gratitude Lodge's Long Beach addiction treatment center

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
an image of clients outside after getting help at Gratitude Lodge's rehab in Long Beach, California

Sober Living

Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
an image of clients at Gratitude Lodge's carson drug rehab

Outpatient Treatment

Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.
An image of clients going through inpatient substance abuse treatment

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.
an image of clients at clients at Gratitude Lodge's representing fear in recovery

Drug & Alcohol Detox

A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkedin
Share on Email
Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.