Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the cable that carries messages from the visual system to the brain. With elevated pressure within the globe, the optic nerve will suffer injury that can lead to blindness. While we have medications, laser treatment, and sometimes surgery, in some patients the pressure is relentless and cannot be controlled. Marijuana is known to reduce the pressure within the eye and it has been suggested for therapy in these stubborn cases. Smoking THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the active ingredient in marijuana can reduce the intraocular pressure. Alternatively, the drug can be taken orally or absorbed under the tongue to avoid possible damage to the lungs as may occur with smoking. However, the effect is limited; pressure rises again after three or four hours. Moreover there are systemic side effects of impaired judgment and drowsiness. To date, research has not been able to compound a topical medication with effective THC. In summary, appealing as the idea is, like many things medical, the art is painted in shades of grey.
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