Medical use of cannabis for dry eye disease

November 2018

Background

The clinical value of cannabis in alleviating the symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) is limited at this time due to a lack of clinical evidence.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society does not support the medical use of cannabis for the treatment of DED or its associated pain symptoms, due to its undesirable side-effects, including dry eye symptoms if smoked, and the absence of scientific evidence showing any beneficial effect at this time.

Other evidence-based, less harmful treatment modalities are available for DED and its associated symptoms.

Access Details

Read the full position statement and recommendations from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS).