Glaucoma is a complex eye condition that damages the optic nerve over time. If untreated, the disease can cause permanent vision loss and lead to blindness. Glaucoma, which affects more than 4 million Americans, is characterized by elevated pressure within the eye (known as intraocular pressure or IOP).
Glaucoma patients may have fluctuations in IOP throughout their lives, making it a challenging disease to manage.
For decades, the only way to control glaucoma and lower IOP levels has been through medication, such as prescription eye drops, or surgery—depending on the type of glaucoma and how severe it is.
After several studies conducted in the 1970s showed that smoking marijuana appeared to lower the pressure levels of people with glaucoma, patients were hopeful.
But that was then.
