Nobody wants to get caught with the dreaded red-eyes that are indicative of a weed high.
While many products on the market can help a marijuana user mask the fact that they use weed, there is still one issue that plagues many weed users, and unless you wear sunglasses, it is quite noticeable.
This issue is of course the telltale bloodshot red eyes. Not all people are affected by red eyes; however, most users will suffer from it. This article will explain why people who smoke weed get red eyes and methods to hide it.
Causes
First off, cannabis is a very effective treatment for Glaucoma, so the side effect of red eyes is not dangerous. THC lowers our blood pressure, which causes the blood vessels and capillaries to dilate. Some of the capillaries that dilate happen to be in the eyes, also known as the ocular capillaries. When THC enters our system, the ocular capillaries start to dilate, which allows the increase in blood flow. This increase in blood flow causes the eyes to have a reddish color.
People think that only smoking weed causes red eyes. However, that is far from the truth. Instead, it is the cannabinoids in marijuana that make your eyes red. It has nothing to do with how you choose to consume the weed.
Additionally, there is another reason that could explain why your eyes turn red. Although this is a less common reason: Some people can have an allergic reaction or an irritation caused by an allergy. The allergy will then cause the eyes to go red.
Of course, not everyone has this reaction, and it is atypical, but if you have an allergy to marijuana, you could experience this issue.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the nerves in the eyes are damaged; this can lead to vision loss or partial vision loss. The leading cause of Glaucoma complications is from pressure build-up in the eye vessels.
This physical complication is where the correlation between weed and Glaucoma comes in. The reason weed is recommended in preventing or treating Glaucoma is that weed opens up the vessels, allowing the pressure to dissipate. Although, while it does this, the blood flow increases which causes the eyes to turn red.
Typically, having red eyes can be both embarrassing and unsightly. Yet, considering this correlation, it could be saving your vision in the long run.
When it comes to using weed to medicate Glaucoma (or any issue), however, you should always consult a doctor before self-treating any symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Red Eyes
Even with the possible benefits, it is essential to know how to mitigate your red eyes. Of course, the symptoms of red eyes are not dangerous, but it may not look appealing if you are out in public, at school, or at work.
So, here are the most common ways to avoid or get rid of red eyes:
Opting for Non-THC Strains
One way to prevent getting red eyes is to opt-in for low or non-THC strains of weed. Strains with higher amounts of CBD and CBN are perfect for users who want to avoid the whole red eyes issue in the first place.
Now, most people don’t want to sacrifice THC’s loss, so another way to help reduce red eyes is eye drops. There are a variety of brands that are specific to lessen the appearance of red eyes. Rohto is one of the most popular brands in eye drops that cannabis partakers often use.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another crucial factor when it comes to lessening the effects of red eyes. Staying hydrated by increasing fluid intake helps alleviate the dryness of the eyes.
Give it Time
Sometimes time is the only way to get rid of red eyes. Redness is not permanent, eventually, over a few hours, the redness will disappear, and the whiteness will come back.
Plan Accordingly
This final method does not prevent red eyes, but it has to do with planning. If you smoke when you know you don’t have to go anywhere, you don’t need to worry about your eyes’ appearance. Doing this method prevents you from having to go out in public with red eyes.
In summation, it is always important to remember that red eyes are almost a given when you choose to consume weed but also know that it’s a natural reaction, and it is not dangerous. Research shows that marijuana can help with eye conditions such as Glaucoma, and it could even end up saving your eyesight. Still, if you want to avoid red eyes, there are ways to reduce the effects!