Ophthalmic Effects of Recreational (“Party”) Drugs: Clinical and Translational Perspectives
Vinoth Navaratnam, Jurgen Baumann, Maneli Mozaffarieh
Journal of Clinical & Translational Ophthalmology May 12, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/jcto4020013 via OpenAlex
Summary
Recreational party drug use is common in social settings and increasingly relevant to eye care. While neurological and cardiovascular effects are well known, ocular and visual consequences may be underrecognized in clinical practice. This narrative review describes clinical observations and underlying mechanisms for eye problems linked to common recreational substances: sympathomimetic stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines), empathogens (MDMA), inhalants (alkyl nitrites, poppers), and cannabinoids (cannabis/THC). Key mechanisms include vascular dysregulation, altered eye blood pressure, impaired venous drainage, oxidative stress, and nerve dysfunction. The review discusses characteristic symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and management. Better awareness of these drug-related eye effects could enable earlier detection and reduce risk of visual complications. Evidence for hallucinogens and emerging psychoactive compounds remains limited.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Recreational drug Recreational use Narrative review Translational research Clinical practice |
| Key finding | Recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, alkyl nitrites, and cannabis can cause ocular effects through vascular dysregulation, altered perfusion pressure, venous impairment, oxidative stress, and neuro-ophthalmic dysfunction, but these effects are often underrecognized in clinical practice. |
Abstract
Recreational (“party”) drug use is prevalent in social environments and is increasingly relevant in ophthalmic care. While the neurological and cardiovascular consequences of these subokstances are well documented, their ocular and visual effects may not be fully recognized or consistently reported in clinical practice. This invited narrative review summarizes clinical observations and translational mechanisms underlying ophthalmic manifestations associated with commonly used recreational substances, including sympathomimetic stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines), empathogens (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), inhalants (alkyl nitrites, “poppers”), and cannabinoids (cannabis/Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)). Particular focus is placed on vascular dysregulation, altered ocular perfusion pressure, venous outflow impairment, oxidative stress, and neuro-ophthalmic dysfunction. Characteristic presentations, diagnostic pitfalls, and management considerations are discussed. Improved awareness of drug-related ocular effects may facilitate earlier recognition of such conditions and help reduce the risk of visual complications. Other recreational substances, including hallucinogens and emerging psychoactive compounds, may also have ocular effects, although current evidence remains limited.