Evidence supporting the use of: Cannabis
For the health condition: Glaucoma

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cannabis has been studied for its potential use in treating glaucoma, primarily due to its ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a key risk factor in glaucoma progression. The scientific interest began in the 1970s when studies demonstrated that smoking cannabis could temporarily reduce IOP in both healthy individuals and those with glaucoma. The active compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is believed to be responsible for this effect. However, the evidence is limited by several factors. First, the reduction in IOP is relatively modest and short-lived, typically lasting only 3-4 hours, which would require frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels. Chronic use is associated with significant psychoactive side effects, risk of dependency, and potential negative impacts on cognitive and respiratory health. Furthermore, no large-scale, long-term clinical trials have demonstrated that cannabis use prevents optic nerve damage or preserves vision in glaucoma patients. Most major ophthalmological societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, do not recommend cannabis or cannabinoids for glaucoma treatment, citing the availability of more effective and safer medications. Thus, while there is some scientific basis for cannabis lowering IOP, the overall level of evidence supporting its clinical use is low, and current guidelines advise against its use for this purpose.

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