Purpose of Review
Marijuana has been known to decrease intraocular pressure in humans since the early 1970s. However, its broad side effect profile, short half-life, and limited corneal penetration have prevented its development into a commercial ocular anti-hypertensive. Our paper aims to evaluate the latest research on the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of glaucoma and whether or not there is any progress in overcoming the above limitations.
Recent Findings
Several techniques for retaining the therapeutic effect and minimizing or eliminating the side effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol are being investigated, but these are still in the early stages.
Summary
Much work still needs to be done before a cannabinoid-based ocular antihypertensive is commercially available.