Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
05:25
Tobacco Hornworm as an Insect Model System for Cannabinoid Pre-clinical Studies
Published on: December 29, 2021
3.0K
Do cannabinoids play a role in the control of glaucoma?
Javier Peña1, Camila Jiménez1, Jimena Schmidt2
1Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Proyecto Epistemonikos, Santiago, Chile.
Medwave
|January 27, 2018
Summary
Cannabinoids may temporarily lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. However, this effect is short-lived and accompanied by significant adverse effects, questioning their clinical utility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabinoid use for medical conditions is debated.
- Proposed use for glaucoma management lacks definitive evidence.
- Effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids for glaucoma are controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoids for glaucoma management.
- To synthesize evidence from systematic reviews on cannabinoid use in glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of the Epistemonikos database.
- Inclusion of five systematic reviews comprising three randomized controlled trials.
- Data extraction, reanalysis of primary studies, and GRADE assessment.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids demonstrated a potential to reduce intraocular pressure.
- The observed reduction in intraocular pressure was transient.
- Frequent adverse effects were associated with cannabinoid use.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids may offer a temporary reduction in intraocular pressure.
- The transient nature of the effect and frequent adverse events limit their therapeutic value.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the role of cannabinoids in glaucoma treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.4K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.4K
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
233
The development of self in children is deeply rooted in social interactions, mainly through stages of play and structured games. These stages, outlined by sociologist George Herbert Mead, illustrate how children progressively learn to understand and adopt social roles, forming a cohesive sense of self.The Play Stage: Imitation and Simple Role-TakingIn the early years of childhood, the play stage is characterized by imitative behavior, where children engage in role-playing based on familiar...
233
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.0K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.0K
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
929
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its...
929
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
802
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
802
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.3K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.3K