CBD and Glaucoma
Current research does not support CBD as a safe or effective way to manage eye pressure or treat glaucoma.
If you’re wondering whether CBD, short for cannabidiol, can help glaucoma, you’re not alone. Plenty of people hear cannabis and eye pressure in the same sentence and assume CBD must help. Science tells a different story — and it matters if you want to protect your vision.
What CBD Is
CBD comes from the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. People buy CBD in oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, beverages, and other products, often for pain, stress, or sleep.
The FDA has approved one CBD-based prescription drug, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders, but the CBD products lining store shelves do not go through the same approval process.
Why People Connect CBD and Eye Health
Glaucoma usually involves damage to the optic nerve, and doctors focus heavily on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to slow vision loss. IOP often rises when fluid does not drain properly from the eye.
There are several reasons people ask about CBD as a glaucoma treatment, including:
- Marijuana and glaucoma have been a topic of conversation for years. Studies have shown that THC can lower IOP for a short period.
- CBD gets marketed as natural, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective. Marketing can sound like medicine even when the evidence is thin.
- Glaucoma feels scary and silent. Many people have no symptoms early on, so anything that might help can feel tempting.
Important Note: Although THC has been studied for its short-term effects on intraocular pressure, major medical organizations do not recommend THC or CBD as a treatment for glaucoma. The effects are temporary and may carry risks. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about glaucoma treatment.
What Research Shows About CBD and IOP
CBD does not appear to be a reliable way to lower eye pressure, and some evidence suggests it may raise IOP.
The Study That Changed the Conversation
A 2018 study found that CBD increased IOP in mice with typical cannabinoid receptors. Researchers also reported a different effect in genetically altered mice lacking a specific receptor, underscoring the complexity of cannabinoid biology.
What Eye Doctors Say Now
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has warned that CBD may worsen glaucoma because it can raise eye pressure, and the group does not recommend marijuana or CBD as a glaucoma treatment.
Why THC and CBD Don’t Act the Same
THC and CBD behave differently at cannabinoid receptors. THC may briefly lower IOP, while CBD can interfere with receptor signaling and, based on preclinical evidence, potentially raise IOP.
Bottom line: People often put cannabis products into the same bucket, but CBD and THC do not deliver the same eye-pressure effects.
Potential Risks of Using CBD if You Have Glaucoma
CBD can bring risks that have nothing to do with the eye, and a few that directly affect glaucoma care.
- CBD May Raise Eye Pressure: Anyone with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or strong risk factors should take that possibility seriously.
- CBD Can Interact With Medications: CBD can affect how your body processes other drugs. The FDA has highlighted potential drug interactions, and medical references describe meaningful interactions via liver enzyme pathways.
Why that matters for glaucoma: Many people with glaucoma also take medications for blood pressure, anxiety, sleep, pain, or other conditions. A simple CBD add-on can complicate a stable regimen.
- Liver Safety Concerns Emerge in Research: The FDA has warned of potential liver injury, and recent clinical research continues to examine liver enzyme elevations associated with CBD exposure.
- Product Quality Varies Widely: Over-the-counter CBD products can differ widely in CBD content, THC contamination, and purity. Even careful shoppers can struggle to know what they’re actually taking.
If You Still Want to Use CBD, Protect Yourself
Some people use CBD for reasons unrelated to glaucoma — sleep, pain, or anxiety — and they may not want to stop. Bring your eye doctor into the loop and use a risk-reduction mindset:
- Tell your eye doctor you use CBD (and how much, how often, and what form).
- Do not replace glaucoma drops with CBD.
- Watch timing if you take other medications that may interact.
- Schedule regular pressure checks and keep follow-up appointments.
If you notice blurry vision, eye pain, halos around lights, nausea, or vomiting, seek urgent care. Acute angle-closure glaucoma needs fast treatment.
Help Us Find a Cure
CBD may sound appealing, especially when glaucoma feels overwhelming, and options feel limited. Current research, however, does not support CBD as a safe or effective way to manage eye pressure, and some evidence suggests it could make glaucoma worse.
Proven treatments, including prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery, remain the best tools for protecting vision. If you use CBD for other reasons, talk openly with your ophthalmologist and keep your glaucoma care on track. When it comes to preserving eyesight, evidence matters more than hype.
While there’s no cure for glaucoma, advancements in research continue to bring us closer to finding one and restoring vision loss. You can help find a cure by donating cash, stock, or a vehicle. Your support will give hope to those living with glaucoma and accelerate our search for a cure and vision restoration.
The tireless work of researchers continues to enhance our understanding of glaucoma daily. As a result, there’s great hope for new and improved treatments, including innovative drug-delivery methods, laser treatments, and less-invasive surgical techniques. You can help make that happen!
Posted on February 19, 2026. Article reviewed for medical accuracy by Lisa M. Young, OD, FAAO.
Lisa M. Young, OD, FAAO
Lisa M. Young, OD completed a primary care and ocular disease residency at the Illinois College of Optometry. She is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is an adjunct assistant professor at the Illinois College of Optometry and Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University.