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Cannabinoids for treatment of glaucoma
1aDepartments of Pharmacology and Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis bPharmaLogic Development, Inc., San Rafael, California, USA.
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|February 4, 2016
Summary
Cannabis, or marijuana, effectively lowers intraocular pressure for glaucoma treatment. However, potential cardiovascular and neurological side effects must be considered by clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Cannabinoid Science
Background:
- Marijuana's availability has increased significantly in the USA.
- Cannabis potency, measured by THC concentration, has risen from 2-3% in the 1970s to approximately 20% currently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications of cannabis in glaucoma treatment.
- To assess the impact of increased marijuana availability on its therapeutic use for glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cannabis and intraocular pressure.
- Analysis of changes in marijuana potency and legal status.
Main Results:
- Cannabis remains an effective agent for reducing intraocular pressure.
- The fundamental pharmacology of cannabis regarding intraocular pressure has not changed since the 1970s-1980s.
Conclusions:
- While effective, cannabis use for glaucoma may be limited by cardiovascular and neurological side effects.
- These side effects could potentially counteract the intraocular pressure-lowering benefits by reducing ocular blood flow.
- Clinicians must carefully consider these risks in patient diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plans.
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