1 Department of Ophthalmology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, University of Aberdeen, UK Correspondence to: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. In spite of the diverse therapeutic possibilities, new and better treatments for glaucoma are highly desirable. Cannabinoids effectively lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) and have neuroprotective actions. Thus, they could potentially be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with an overview of the latest achievements in research into the potential use of cannabinoids for glaucoma.
Original Studies Abstract: Patients and Methods: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, 4 way crossover study was conducted at a single center, using cannabis-based medicinal extract of [DELTA]-9-THC and CBD. Six patients with ocular hypertension or early primary open angle glaucoma received a single sublingual dose at 8 AM of 5 mg [DELTA]-9-THC, 20 mg CBD, 40 mg CBD, or placebo. Main outcome measure was IOP. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, vital signs, and psychotropic effects. Results: Two hours after sublingual administration of 5 mg [DELTA]-9-THC, the IOP was significantly lower than after placebo (23.5 mm Hg vs. 27.3 mm Hg, P=0.026). The IOP returned to baseline level after the 4-hour IOP measurement. CBD administration did not reduce the IOP at any time. However, the higher dose of CBD (40 mg) produced a transient elevation of IOP at 4 hours after administration, from 23.2 to 25.9 mm Hg (P=0.028). Vital signs and visual acuity were not significantly changed. One patient experienced a transient and mild paniclike reaction after [DELTA]-9-THC administration. Conclusions: A single 5 mg sublingual dose of [DELTA]-9-THC reduced the IOP temporarily and was well tolerated by most patients. Sublingual administration of 20 mg CBD did not reduce IOP, whereas 40 mg CBD produced a transient increase IOP rise. (C) 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
British Journal of Ophthalmology 2004;88:708-713
© 2004 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
PERSPECTIVE
Cannabinoids and glaucoma
I Tomida1, R G Pertwee2, A Azuara-Blanco1
2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
Correspondence to:
A Azuara-Blanco PhD
FRCS(Ed), The Eye Clinic, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK; Aazblanco@aol.com
Tomida, Ileana MD *; Azuara-Blanco, Augusto MD, PhD *; House, Heather BSc +; Flint, Maggie BSc ++; Pertwee, Roger G. DPhil, DSc [S]; Robson, Philip J. MD +
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the safety and tolerability of oromucosal administration of a low dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ([DELTA]-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
October 2006, 15:5 > Effect of Sublingual Application...
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Effect of Sublingual Application of Cannabinoids on Intraocular Pressure: A Pilot Study.