Glaucoma

---

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that result in damage to the optic nerve and may cause vision loss.  Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for individuals over 60 years old.

There are two types of Primary Glaucoma:

1. Primary open-angle glaucoma: (Most common form of the disease) The drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This causes intraocular pressures to gradually increase over time, resulting in optic nerve damage and progressive loss of one's peripheral vision.  Interestingly, not all patients with open-angle glaucoma develop elevated eye pressures (Normal: 12-22 mmHg). This form of glaucoma is usually asymptomatic until the disease progresses. 

2. Primary closed-angle glaucoma: The iris may move forward and obstruct the drainage angle where it meets the cornea. As a result, aqueous humor is unable to properly circulate through the eye causing intraocular pressures to increase.  Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma may include intense eye pain and redness, severe headaches, blurred vision, excessive tearing and seeing halos.

References:

1.  Cannabinoids for treatment of glaucoma

2.  Should Ophthalmologists recommend medical cannabis to patients with glaucoma?

3.  Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: the effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit

 4.  Intraocular pressure following systemic administration of cannabinoids

5.  Central nervous system and peripheral mechanisms in ocular hypotensive effect of cannabinoids