Cannabis is often associated with adverse health effects, but it also contains beneficial components whose advantages cannot be ignored. Among these is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive molecule derived from the hemp plant that possesses numerous therapeutic properties beneficial to the human body. In particular, ophthalmology appears to be an area where CBD could have a real impact. Ophthalmology: What is it?
Ophthalmology is a medical specialty dedicated to the study and treatment of eye diseases. The ophthalmologist treats all kinds of vision problems and eye diseases, such as:
vision disorders: myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, presbyopia…
- disorders of the ocular surface: dry eye, conjunctivitis, keratitis…
- retinal disorders: retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD)…
- infections and inflammations of the eye: uveitis, dacryocystitis, stye…
- eyelid disorders: entropion, ectropion, chalazion, ptosis…
- disorders of the optic nerve and/or orbit: optic neuritis, orbital tumors, severe ophthalmopathic thyroiditis…
- lens disorders: cataracts
- oculomotor disorders: strabismus, oculomotor palsies
- emergencies Ophthalmological issues: intraocular or intraorbital foreign bodies, eye contusions, chemical burns…
- Glaucoma.
- CBD and its potential effects on eye problems
In recent years,
CBD has become a key subject of study in various fields of medicine including in ophthalmology. Indeed, several studies have been conducted to understand how CBD could help prevent and treat certain eye diseases. Here are some key findings from these studies:Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective
CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial in cases of inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis and keratitis. Furthermore, some studies suggest that CBD may have a neuroprotective effect on retinal cells, which could help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults in the West.
The neuroprotective effect of CBD may also be beneficial for other eye diseases,
such as diabetic and glaucomatous retinopathy.
Glaucoma treatment Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Several studies have shown that CBD may reduce intraocular pressure, a major risk factor in the development of glaucoma.
However, other research suggests that CBD, when administered alone, does not lower intraocular pressure sufficiently to prevent the progression of this disease. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that CBD combined with other cannabis compounds could potentially be beneficial.
Limitations and controversies surrounding the use of CBD in ophthalmology
Even though the studies mentioned above show that CBD may have a positive impact on certain eye conditions, it is essential to consider some existing limitations and controversies:
Lack of conclusive clinical data
Although some studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of CBD for eye health, the results obtained are still insufficient to support the regular and widespread use of this substance in ophthalmology. Indeed, larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these promising initial results.
Problems related to administration and dosage
One of the major challenges in developing CBD-based eye therapy is finding the appropriate method of administration and the correct dosage for each ophthalmic condition being treated. The bioavailability of CBD remains poorly understood, and its absorption by the body needs to be better understood to optimize therapeutic effects.
Legal and ethical difficulties
From a legal standpoint, CBD still raises several questions in many countries where cannabis legislation remains strict. Consequently, this makes it difficult to conduct clinical trials on the use of CBD in ophthalmology and creates barriers to its dissemination among healthcare professionals.
