Why Do Eyes Get Red After Smoking Marijuana?

Are you wondering why do eyes get red after smoking weed? Usually, marijuana use and bloodshot eyes go hand in hand. However, they typically subside and return to normal after 2 to 3 hours. Sometimes, they can last to 12 hours, depending on the dose. So, suppose you have red eyes for an extended period and are accompanied by other symptoms. In that case, you should get checked by Omnicare Medical’s trusted Southbank doctors or any medical professional that you trust. They will help you determine your underlying cause and give you the treatment you need. Continue reading to learn more about why marijuana use makes your eyes red and how to get rid of them.

Why Does Marijuana Make Your Eyes Red?

The widening of the blood vessels behind your eyes happens because of the main psychoactive ingredients found in marijuana. Generally, these are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or also known as cannabinoids. In fact, they connect to cannabinoid receptors all through your body, and specifically, your eyes.

Once the THC connects to cannabinoid receptors, it reduces blood pressure, which this way causes the expansion or dilation of capillaries and blood vessels. For your eyes, the ocular capillaries dilate, increasing blood flow to the area, causing a red look in the white of the eyes. That is why people call it bloodshot eyes.

For glaucoma patients, the THC prompted widening of ocular capillaries, likewise briefly diminishes intraocular pressure. High pressure within the eyes is the primary manifestation of glaucoma, damaging the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Therefore, decreasing this pressure is essential in glaucoma treatment. However, marijuana use has never been a solution for cataracts, though cataracts may naturally coexist with glaucoma. Hence, you might need to undergo cataract surgery even though you have glaucoma as well.

Does Everyone Experiences Red-Eye Syndrome

The vast majority do get red eyes when smoking cannabis. Nevertheless, its seriousness will fluctuate from one individual to another because of various factors. First, long-term users of cannabis will most likely be more immune to getting red-eye syndrome. This is because their body is more used to THC effects than newbies or casual users.

Getting bloodshot eyes or an increased blood flow to eyeballs can also rely upon the strain you are smoking, not only the amount of THC. Since the cannabis plant has many various strains, some of them may probably make your eyes redder. In addition, some individuals might be more naturally inclined to get red eyes because of other factors like allergies, catching a cold, pollution, having a migraine, and so on.

How To Get Rid of Red Eyes

Though smoking marijuana may come with perks, sometimes, you need to stop it. Smoking cessation before and after a medical or dental procedure is crucial to avoid healing complications, even if it is only a simple dental filling. In addition, you may want to stop smoking marijuana for a while when you are getting red eyes. In any case, here are some little ways that can help you prevent getting red eyes after smoking or at least reduce eye redness.

Getting Vasoconstrictors

Vasoconstriction implies the shrinking of blood vessels. Hence, get something that makes blood vessels shrink. The ideal option is getting an eye drop with the active ingredient Tetryzoline, which can reduce the blood flow to the eyes. So if you daily smoke weed, you will surely need to have eye drops close to you.

However, if you do not have eye drops, there are other ways to get vasoconstrictors. In fact, dark chocolate, coffee, or cola are some approaches that can shrink blood vessels by increasing blood pressure.

Staying Hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated is essential even if you do not smoke marijuana. In any case, suppose you do not drink enough water after smoking cannabis. You will be more likely to have red eyes, and generally, you will be more uncomfortable. So, maintain your fluid intake to prevent eye redness and help you with dry mouth sensation.

Using Colder Temperature

Cold temperature is the most natural way to reduce blood pressure in your eyes. Basically, wash your face with cold water a couple of times after smoking marijuana, as cold as you can endure. You can also take a bath if you really want to get rid of the redness more effectively. In addition, wrapping some ice cubes in a towel can help reduce the redness but not completely.

Taking Low THC

Another best way to avoid getting bloodshot eyes is to smoke strains low in THC and high in CBD. This is the best choice for days when you want to enjoy and relax yet also have tasks to do, and you would prefer not to risk getting red eyes.

Creating a Designated Schedule

Suppose you do not want to surrender your number one high THC strains. Then, in that case, it is best to plan your smoke session ahead on days when you do not have that much stuff to do. So, you can just spend your day relaxing without worrying about anyone seeing your red eyes.

Alternatively, Wait For It

Red eyes alone are not frequently a significant concern. However, if there is also eye pain, dryness, or so on, consult an ophthalmologist because this can indicate a severe health problem. In most cases, bloodshot eyes due to marijuana use start to subside after about 3 hours. So, if you have time, just wait for it. You can splash some water and then move on with your day as usual.

Conclusion

Getting red eyes is a highly typical result of cannabis use. The reason behind it is the impact of THC on blood pressure and heart rate, which makes the blood vessels dilate. This effect is generally more recognizable in the eyes because they are a sensitive part of the body. However, glaucoma patients get some advantages from it as it provides some eye pressure alleviation.

Furthermore, you can ease this impact by using eye drops, drinking caffeinated beverages, or using a cold compress. If you need to avoid getting red eyes, you can likewise try to smoke a low THC strain or smoke on days when your schedule is free.

References:

Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know.

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

Red eyes (bloodshot eyes): Causes and treatments.

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/red-eyes.htm

Tetryzoline.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/tetryzoline

Everything you need to know about dry mouth.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187640

The effects of smoking low-THC, high-CBD cannabis

https://www.thegrowthop.com/cannabis-health/the-effects-of-smoking-low-thc-high-cbd-cannabis