Cannabis Use Linked to Earlier Cataract Development in UK Biobank Study
People who used cannabis 11-100+ times developed cataracts 4-5 years younger than non-users, independent of cigarette smoking.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis users (11-100 times) were diagnosed with cataracts 4-5 years earlier than non-users. This association was independent of cigarette pack-years (P<0.001 for cannabis, P=0.008 for independence from cigarettes). However, cannabis use did not increase the overall odds of developing cataracts.
Key Numbers
28,432 subjects with cataracts; 4-5 years earlier diagnosis; cannabis effect P<0.001; cigarette OR 1.2 for cataract; cannabis OR not significant for overall cataract risk
How They Did This
Analysis of 28,432 UK Biobank subjects with cataracts, using propensity score matching with cigarette smoking and age as covariates. Cannabis use frequency was the indicator variable.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxic compounds as tobacco smoke. While cigarette smoking is a known cataract risk factor, less was known about cannabis. This study suggests cannabis may accelerate cataract timing without increasing overall risk.
The Bigger Picture
As cannabis use becomes more common, understanding its effects on eye health beyond glaucoma becomes important. This large cohort study adds cataracts to the list of conditions where cannabis may play a role.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-reported cannabis use in UK Biobank. Cannot account for method of consumption (smoked vs other). Association does not prove causation.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would non-smoked cannabis (edibles, oils) show the same association with earlier cataracts?
- ?Is the mechanism related to smoke exposure specifically or to cannabinoid effects on the lens?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 4-5 years earlier cataract diagnosis
- Evidence Grade:
- Large cohort with propensity score matching and controls for cigarette smoking, but observational design with self-reported cannabis use.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022
- Original Title:
- Marijuana smoking and cataract.
- Published In:
- Journal francais d'ophtalmologie, 45(3), 267-271 (2022)
- Authors:
- Lehrer, S(2), Rheinstein, P H(2)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03997
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis cause cataracts?
This study found cannabis users developed cataracts earlier but did not have higher overall odds of getting cataracts. The association was independent of cigarette smoking.
How much earlier did cannabis users develop cataracts?
Users who consumed cannabis 11-100+ times were diagnosed with cataracts 4-5 years earlier than those who never used cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03997APA
Lehrer, S; Rheinstein, P H. (2022). Marijuana smoking and cataract.. Journal francais d'ophtalmologie, 45(3), 267-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2021.12.008
MLA
Lehrer, S, et al. "Marijuana smoking and cataract.." Journal francais d'ophtalmologie, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2021.12.008
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Marijuana smoking and cataract." RTHC-03997. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/lehrer-2022-marijuana-smoking-and-cataract
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.