The rapid eye test to detect drug abuse.
Because the current epidemic of drug abuse has touched all levels of society, the primary care physician is increasingly called on to identify, monitor, and treat persons with drug abuse problems. All of the major drugs of abuse, including cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine, phencyclidine, heroin, and alcohol, may produce typical eye signs that can be easily detected by a rapid eye test. These signs include ptosis, abnormal pupil size, nonreactivity of the pupil to a light challenge, nystagmus, and non-convergence. When eye signs are detected, drug use should be confirmed by analysis of body fluids. The rapid eye test is suitable for routine use when screening adolescents, athletes, and employees with jobs where safety is essential.
Tennant
F
F
Community Health Projects Medical Group, Research and Education Division, West Covina, CA 91790.
D001767:Blinking / Q000187:drug effects; D003290:Convergence, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000139:chemically induced; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects; D012025:Reflex, Pupillary / Q000187:drug effects; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine