Cataracts and Cannabis: Is There a Treatment Connection?

Translated from the website The Growth Op

Affecting nearly 25 million Americans, cataracts cloud the eyes, reduce vision, dull colors, and, if left untreated, can cause blindness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that while Americans have treatment options for cataract diseases, many do not realize something is wrong with their eyes until it is too late. Slightly more common in women than in men, cataracts are a growing problem that affects vision and quality of life.

Symptoms of cataracts include faded colors, blurred vision, problems with “glare” lights, poor night vision, and double vision.

The Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center explains that while age is the primary cause of cataract-related problems, diseases such as diabetes and medications like steroids can increase the risk of developing cataracts later in life.

According to the National Eye Institute, "the risk of cataracts increases with each decade of life, starting around age 40. By age 75, half of white Americans have cataract disease."

By 2050, the institute estimates that the number of cataracts will double from 24.4 million adults to 50 million adults with cataract problems. Data suggests that those at the highest risk for rapid increase are Hispanic Americans.

“Most cataracts are age-related—they occur due to normal changes in your eyes as you age. But you can get cataracts for other reasons—for example, after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma),” the institute reports.

Returning to Cannabis

With stigmas diminishing, more adults are turning to the medicinal benefits of CBD and cannabis to treat eye diseases, such as cataracts. The Harvard Health blog illustrates that many Americans are seeking different approaches to pain and age-related diseases.

With 94% of Americans surveyed in a recent poll supporting legal access to marijuana, many people are seeking the medication—more than ever. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that cannabis use has steadily increased among adults aged 65 and older, from 2.4% in 2015 to 4.2% in 2018.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology stated that while studies are limited on marijuana and cataracts, marijuana appears to have benefits with glaucoma, decreasing intraocular pressure if dosed correctly.

The Bottom Line

With few studies available or in the pipeline regarding the effects of cannabis on eye health, it is best to talk to your ophthalmologist if you are using cannabis or CBD and find out if there are any risk factors.

As the stigma surrounding marijuana continues to diminish, many older Americans are seeking new treatments for old problems. Scientists will undoubtedly want to keep up with trends and create new pathways for medications to heal the body.