State May Employ New Eye Test to Detect Drugs, Alcohol

By J. Gelband, 11-27-07

A new test could help determine if someone has been using drugs by checking reactions in their eyes. An Associated Press article being picked up all over the state is reporting that the Idaho Department of Correction is considering this new type of drug test that flashes beams of light into someone’s eyes and checks eye reaction time.

The test is called Passpoint, and Corrections would like to use it on parolees specifically. Passpoint can identify drug use in past days because the eye reaction is typically slower for people using drugs or alcohol.

If test administrators determine a slow reaction time, they will then ask for a urine sample to double check the eye test findings.

The idea is that employing the Passpoint system will allow the agency to screen offenders more quickly and more often.

Speeding up the process sounds like a good idea, but a new test to determine drug use seems likely to elicit controversy. Who knows what other substances besides drugs and alcohol can create slower eye reactions, could be anything from Robitussin to chamomile tea.  And there will also likely be the folks who say they already have slow eye reactions from other health conditions. Once Corrections addresses these concerns, maybe this will turn out to be a great program.