Ocular effects of synthetic cannabinoids: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are associated with various adverse effects.
• Ocular manifestations of SC use are not well-documented.
• This study investigates the ocular effects of "Bonzai", a specific SC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ocular effects of "Bonzai" synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use.
• To compare ocular parameters between seropositive, seronegative, and healthy control groups.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 60 male patients with "Bonzai" use history and 30 healthy male controls.
• Patients were categorized as seropositive or seronegative based on urine toxicology.
• Ocular parameters measured included intraocular pressure, retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, RNFL, GCC, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in blood pressure or retinal measurements were observed.
• Seropositive "Bonzai" users exhibited significantly lower intraocular pressure.
• Reduced subfoveal and parafoveal choroidal thickness and increased CVI were noted in "Bonzai" users compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• "Bonzai" synthetic cannabinoid use is associated with decreased intraocular pressure and choroidal changes.
• Further studies with larger sample sizes and purified SCs are recommended.
• Histopathologic studies are needed to elucidate choroidal changes in seronegative users.