ECPs in the US are fielding an increasing number of patient inquiries about the use of legal medical marijuana (MMJ) in the treatment of glaucoma, according to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma.
Researchers led by ophthalmologist Zachary Bergman of the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, surveyed members of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) to evaluate glaucoma specialists’ perceptions and attitudes about MMJ in the treatment of glaucoma.
Thirty-seven percent had patients who reported MMJ use for their glaucoma, and 78% of respondents said they were asked at least monthly about MMJ. Three quarters of respondents expressed an interested in education on the topic and 27% said there was a role for MMJ in glaucoma management.
Currently, The AGS, which comprises the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)] and [Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) in that MMJ is not an acceptable treatment for glaucoma.
Researchers said: ‘With expanding legality of MMJ in the United States, it is important for ophthalmologists to have greater understanding of the implications of MMJ and glaucoma treatment and how it can impact their patients.’