Does THC help with glaucoma? While there have long been jokes about “smoking your glaucoma medication,” the first significant research to correlate marijuana use with glaucoma treatment was in 1971 (and was published in the esteemed JAMA, of all places!). 

Despite the rising popularity of medicinal marijuana, the majority of the current discussion is on epilepsy, mental disorders, and pain management. 

So, did scientists overlook eye health? Does cannabis reduce eye pressure? Is it possible to cure glaucoma with marijuana, which is maybe more crucial.

History of Marijuana as an Alleged Glaucoma Treatment 

Marijuana has gained increased attention and discussion as a potential therapy for numerous health ailments as it has been legal for medicinal or recreational use in more U.S. states and Canada. A noticeable drop in intraocular pressure was observed for three to four hours after smoking marijuana or taking THC as a tablet or injection, according to studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. 

But take into account this: After drinking, alcohol also reduces ocular pressure for around an hour. To cure glaucoma, however, no doctor would advocate drinking alcohol every hour. There are several more efficient therapies that don’t have alcohol’s adverse effects.

Glaucoma is a disorder of the eyes where the optic nerve gradually deteriorates, initially impairing peripheral vision and ultimately posing a risk of complete blindness. High eye pressure is one factor in glaucoma that damages the optic nerve (also referred to as intraocular pressure or IOP).

Various glaucoma types

There are three primary forms of glaucoma to be aware of, and each one has a unique course of therapy. 

Chronic glaucoma 

The most typical kind is chronic glaucoma, sometimes referred to as primary open-angle glaucoma. This kind of advances gradually. It begins when the trabecular meshwork, which serves as your eye’s drainage system, malfunctions as well, making it difficult for fluid to effectively depart the eye cavity. Intraocular pressure will gradually rise as a result. 

It’s simple to overlook the signs because this often occurs slowly. You can begin to have patchy blind patches in your eyes or lose your peripheral vision’s borders. People frequently don’t become aware of it until they have extensive peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision. 

Angle-closure or acute glaucoma 

A hypertensive crisis (very high blood pressure) that causes rapid damage to the trabecular meshwork is frequently associated with acute glaucoma, which is brought on by a sudden rise in ocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency since it can quickly lead to blindness. Warning signs to look out for include: 

• Severe headaches, particularly behind the eyes or in the forehead 
• Eye discomfort 
• Nausea and or vomiting 
• Halos or rainbows appear around lights 
• Intolerance to light is known as photophobia. 

Normal-tension Glaucoma

When the optic nerve is damaged but the IOP is unaffected. What then is the cause? We are unsure. There is still debate among optometrists on whether a little blood clot might obstruct blood flow near the optic nerve.

Does marijuana aid those with glaucoma? 

We can observe how marijuana impacts glaucoma if we understand how the disease operates. Robert Hepler’s research group discovered in the 1970s that marijuana might significantly reduce intraocular eye pressure. This might even buy individuals with acute glaucoma some time while providing momentary relief for those with open-angle glaucoma. However, the effects were very temporary, and within three hours, even before the cravings subsided, ocular pressure levels would typically climb again. 

We didn’t have much knowledge about the various cannabinoids back then because of prohibitions on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes (the organic compounds naturally present in the herb). It was challenging to do studies on the most effective administration method. Do marijuana cigarettes need to be smoked? Would drops or edibles function equally effectively (while safeguarding your lungs)? 

How does weed help glaucoma?

We now understand that marijuana is a complex plant with close to 400 distinct chemical constituents. Although we are unaware of all of their full impacts, we do know that at least some of them are paradoxical. 

Two primary active components of marijuana—THC (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabidiol—are responsible for the majority of its medicinal applications (or CBD). Your eye has a large number of cannabinoid receptors that may “feel” the presence of these substances and be impacted by them. 

There is no proof that THC helps those with glaucoma. 

Studies have been conducted on THC-infused cigarettes, tablets, and ocular drops. Eye drops caused stinging and irritation and did not reduce eye pressure, according to studies. There was no decrease in intraocular pressure with a sublingual THC compound (put in the mouth beneath the tongue). 

In a different trial, THC-containing tablets and/or smoke were made available to glaucoma patients. All of them requested to discontinue after nine months owing to adverse effects. 

Would CBD be able to treat glaucoma? 

CBD, a cannabis component that doesn’t affect mood, has received a lot of attention. However, there is no convincing study that demonstrates CBD is an effective therapy for glaucoma, just like cannabis that is consumed or smoked. Indeed, recent research suggested that CBD could actually raise ocular pressure, which might exacerbate glaucoma. 

Both substances appear to have neuroprotective properties and can alleviate anxiety, discomfort, and nausea. However, THC is mostly responsible for the marijuana effects that we associate with “being high” (think hallucinations, memory loss, skewed time perception, or the munchies). Meanwhile, CBD doesn’t make you hungrier and appears to be more effective against seizures and anxiety. 

Because of this, everywhere they are legalized, CBD oil, gummies, candy drops, and even syrups are growing in popularity. Unfortunately, this does not apply to intraocular eye pressure, which is a crucial factor in glaucoma treatment. In fact, consuming CBD tends to raise rather than decrease ocular pressure.

Researchers are looking into the possibility that marijuana’s active components may be used to treat glaucoma. Future medicines may be developed using cannabis chemicals if their benefits can be pinpointed, made to last a long time, and the negative effects are minimized. Such advancements, meanwhile, need further study and have a long way to go before becoming a reality.

For the advantage of a continuously dropped IOP, you would need to smoke marijuana six to eight times per day, around the clock, according to Craig J. Chaya, MD, a glaucoma expert at the John A. Moran Eye Center who still receives the odd question on the matter. “Smoking that much of it every day would make you too impaired to drive, use machinery, or perform at the top of your game. This is obviously a bad plan for those and many more reasons. 

In addition to its ability to change the mood, marijuana has a number of other known negative effects, one of which should worry those who have glaucoma. The medication may result in tachycardia (an unusually rapid heartbeat) and low blood pressure, which may restrict blood supply to an already damaged optic nerve and so negate the advantages of reduced IOP. 

When questioned, Chaya directs his patients to the American Glaucoma Society’s official stance statement. According to the study’s conclusion, “Although marijuana can reduce intraocular pressure, its negative effects and brief duration of action, along with a lack of evidence that its usage affects the course of glaucoma, exclude prescribing this medicine for the treatment of glaucoma at this time.”

Additional complementary therapies for glaucoma 

Glaucoma visual loss cannot be reversed by therapy. Instead, the goal of therapy is to limit additional harm. When medicine fails to work, surgery may be required. 

Some patients elect to receive alternative therapies. These consist of: 

Ginkgo biloba

Some individuals think that this herb’s anti-inflammatory properties lessen the symptoms of glaucoma. 

Dark leafy greens

A diet high in these foods is linked to a decreased incidence of glaucoma. 

Omega-3 fatty acids

Taking in omega-3 fatty acids may help guard against oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite the lack of clear evidence, some people believe omega-3 fatty acids may also help prevent glaucoma. 

Supplements with B vitamins

One study discovered a connection between a lack of vitamin B12 and thinner retinal nerves. 

Antioxidant supplements

Antioxidants like vitamins C and A may be able to reduce inflammation or reverse oxidative damage in order to control or cure glaucoma. 

Melatonin

Melatonin may lessen glaucoma-related sleep problems. 

• Changes in lifestyle
• Some people may find it beneficial to: 
• Achieve or maintain a modest body weight in order to better control their glaucoma 
• Maintain a healthy diet 
• Workout frequently. 

Alternative and complementary medicine

Some patients seek treatment for glaucoma through acupuncture, massage therapy, or other methods. 

There isn’t enough solid scientific evidence to support the use of alternative medicines, despite some research suggesting they could be helpful or providing theoretical or animal models to justify their usage. 

Additionally, there is no proof that alternative therapies are better than traditional ones.

Summary 

Glaucoma can be challenging to manage, and not everyone responds well to medication. Furthermore, glaucoma-related visual loss cannot be repaired. 

As a result, many patients seek alternative therapies. The possible hazards and advantages of cannabis have not yet been adequately analyzed by science. It’s possible that later on, scientific studies will support people’s personal accounts. But as of right now, there is insufficient proof to back up cannabis use as a glaucoma therapy. 

Those who are still interested in trying marijuana should consult a physician who is informed about its medical uses. 

The dangers, advantages, and side effects should be discussed, as well as any potential legal repercussions.

FAQ’s 

Does marijuana lower eye pressure? 

Does Cannabis Reduce Eye Pressure? Cannabis decreases blood pressure in addition to lowering ocular pressure. Lower blood pressure may cause the optic nerve’s blood flow to be diminished, which might damage the nerve. 

Do edibles aid in glaucoma treatment? 

THC can reduce IOP by up to 40% when smoked, inhaled, or consumed. Technically, this is almost as effective as anti-glaucoma medications, but it also gave them a high. Unfortunately, any IOP-lowering impact was transient and shortly disappeared. 

How can I naturally reverse glaucoma? 

The response to this question is “no” Once glaucoma is identified, there is presently no treatment that can reverse the disease and no means to erase the damage that has already been done in terms of visual loss. 

What cures glaucoma the best? 

Lowering intraocular pressure is the best glaucoma therapy. Depending on the patient’s condition, our doctors may employ a mix of various therapies, including prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, and eye surgery. 

What foods make glaucoma worse?

It has been established that high trans fat diets harm the optic nerve. It’s time to stop eating fried meals, baked products, and anything whose ingredient list contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Additionally, saturated meals like red meat, steak, lard, shortening, and oils might make glaucoma worse. 

What is the typical age of glaucoma onset? 

If you are 40 years of age or older, you are most susceptible to acquiring glaucoma. But that does not mean that glaucoma cannot occur at other times. Anyone can acquire glaucoma, just like any other disease. 

Can someone with glaucoma live a long life? 

Even while those who have glaucoma may need to adapt, they don’t have to let the disease restrict their life. Most people are capable of leading busy, happy lives. However, managing glaucoma could include more frequent trips to the eye doctor and adherence to treatment. 

What medicine makes glaucoma worse? 

Drugs like Zantac (ranitidine) and Tagamet (cimetidine), which are mild anticholinergics, may cause angle closure. Angle closure has been linked to drugs like Norflex (orphenadrine) and Artane (trihexyphenidyl). 

What contributes most to glaucoma? 

Damage to the optic nerve, which results in loss of visual field, is the cause of the chronic, progressive eye illness known as glaucoma. Eye pressure is among the key risk factors. Fluid can accumulate in the eye due to an issue with the drainage system, which can result in severe pressure that harms the optic nerve.