Ocular surface effects in tetra hidro cannabioid (Marihuana) addicts

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tear film function and ocular surface changes in Tetrahidrocannabinoid (THC) addicts. MATHERIALS- METHODS: This prospective case–control study involved right eye of 51 male subjects with heavy alcohol consumption (group 1) and 51 age- and sex-matched control subjects (group 2). Best-corrected visual acuity measurement, slit-lamp examination, Schirmer test, tear film breakup time (BUT) measurement, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed in all subjects. The results were compared between the 2 groups. The satatistical analysis made by using SPSS v.16.0 (Statistical Package for Social Science) packet program. Mann-Whitney U and Willcoxon W and Z tests are used for data analysis. When datas didn't coherent according to Kolmogorow Simirnow test statics normal variance (p<0.05), Mann-Whitney U test statistics is used for compare non parametric two groups. P<0.05 value is statistical significant. FINDINGS: The mean Schirmer test results in group 1 and group 2 were 9,7±3.9 and 8,4±4 mm, respectively, and the mean BUT values were 10±4 and 9,3±4 seconds, respectively. The mean impression cytology scores in group 1 and group 2 were1,5±1 and 1,25±1, respectively. There isn't statistically significant difference between sutdy and control groups for The mean Schirmer results (p=0,9), BUT (p=0,34) and grading of cytologial changes (p=0,25). RESULTS: Our data showed that THC addicts have similar tear production, tear film stability, and the ocular surface epithelium with normal subjects. KeyWords: Addiction of Tetrahidrocannabinoid, İmpression Cytology, Ocular Surface, Tear Film Functions