Glaucoma ranks high among the reasons for global blindness, affecting more than 60 million people. The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and exploring various treatments, including medical cannabis, is crucial.
In the 1970s and 1980s, studies hinted that marijuana might lower intraocular pressure (IOP) for a short time. IOP is the pressure that can harm the optic nerve in those with glaucoma. However, to maintain any pressure reduction consistently, one would need to use marijuana in amounts and frequencies that are not feasible—around 18 to 20 mg of THC, six to eight times daily. Managing glaucoma requires 24-hour treatment, making these temporary effects unsuitable. Moreover, concerns exist over long-term marijuana use, including impacts on optic nerve blood flow, adverse psychological reactions, and lower blood pressure.
Because of these issues, groups like the American Academy of Ophthalmology do not recommend the use of marijuana or its products for treating glaucoma. This stance highlights the need to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before considering marijuana for glaucoma management1-2.
Key Takeaways
- Glaucoma affects over 60 million people worldwide, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) being the most common form.
- To effectively manage glaucoma, reducing intraocular pressure continuously is crucial, which requires impractical frequencies of marijuana consumption.
- Marijuana’s short-lived effect on IOP and its potential side effects make it less favourable as a treatment.
- Long-term use of marijuana could further damage the optic nerve due to reduced blood flow.
- Medical associations do not currently endorse cannabis for glaucoma treatment due to these significant drawbacks.
Understanding Glaucoma: Causes and Symptoms
nerve, leading to a smaller visual field and potentially causing blindness. High eye pressure and optic nerve damage are significant factors in its development. Age, race, and high eye pressure increase the risk of glaucoma. For instance, 1% of 60-year-olds have it, and this number jumps to over 9% for those over 80. It also affects certain races more, with up to 10% of African Americans and 25% of Caribbean Africans being affected. Regular eye checks are crucial for those at risk.
In the early stages, glaucoma shows few symptoms and worsens slowly, meaning people might not notice vision changes until their nerve is significantly damaged. This underscores the importance of regular eye exams, especially for individuals with high eye pressure, to catch glaucoma early and start treatment promptly1.
The Current State of Glaucoma Treatments
Many studies have shown that cannabinoids from marijuana can lower eye pressure, but their effect lasts only 2-4 hours, which is not ideal. They can also cause side effects like low blood pressure and mental health issues, making them less popular than other treatments. Current glaucoma medications, such as prostaglandin analogs and beta-blockers, maintain eye pressure reduction for longer periods and are key in treating glaucoma. Surgical options like trabeculectomy and laser trabeculoplasty also provide long-term relief and typically lack the adverse effects associated with cannabis use.
Cannabis for glaucoma requires frequent consumption, around 18 to 20 mg of THC six to eight times daily, which is challenging to maintain. Moreover, the psychoactive effects of THC make it unsuitable for long-term use.
Future treatments might derive from cannabis compounds that last longer and have fewer side effects. However, current treatments and surgeries remain the best options for controlling eye pressure effectively1-2-3.
The Science Behind Medical Cannabis for Glaucoma
More than 60 million people globally suffer from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Traditional treatments aim to lower intraocular pressure, which is crucial in disease progression. Studies indicate that substances in cannabis, like THC, might reduce eye pressure, offering a potential new treatment pathway. THC, the main compound in cannabis, lowers eye pressure, but its effect is short-lived, lasting only three to four hours, necessitating frequent dosing. Additionally, THC’s psychoactive effects are not ideal for treating glaucoma long-term.
Conversely, CBD might not be beneficial as it could increase eye pressure, posing a risk for glaucoma patients. Nonetheless, ongoing research aims to identify cannabis compounds that can provide longer-lasting benefits without significant side effects, potentially protecting the optic nerve more effectively1.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Glaucoma Treatment
Despite the drawbacks, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits of cannabis for glaucoma. Cannabinoids like THC can lower eye pressure, comparable to standard treatments. With over 60 million people affected worldwide, this could offer significant relief.
Recent evidence suggests cannabinoids might protect the optic nerve, preventing further damage. This area requires more research due to the complex interactions between cannabinoids and eye cells.
While THC can reduce eye pressure by 40%, the side effects, including psychoactive effects, low blood pressure, and the need for frequent dosing, limit its practicality as a long-term treatment. Future research should focus on harnessing the neuroprotective benefits of cannabinoids while minimizing adverse effects. This could involve developing new delivery methods and formulations to maintain consistent intraocular pressure reduction.
Conclusion
Exploring medical cannabis for glaucoma reveals its potential as a treatment option, albeit with significant limitations. While THC can lower intraocular pressure, its short duration of action and associated side effects make it less practical for long-term use. The potential neuroprotective benefits of cannabinoids offer a promising area for future research.
For now, conventional treatments and surgeries remain the most effective methods for managing glaucoma. Patients considering medical cannabis should consult healthcare professionals to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their treatment plan.
Have you visited private medical cannabis clinics in the UK? Consider leaving a medical cannabis clinic review at Cannabis Access Clinics to support the community!