A Review of the Influence of Psychoactive Substances on the Visual Apparatus


Zhumatayeva A. Shusterov Y. Prilutskaya M. Zhumatay A. Zhagiparova Z.
2024Professionalnye Izdaniya

Oftalmologija. Vostochnaja Evropa
2024#14Issue 4537 - 547 pp.

This review explores the visual and cognitive impacts of opioids, cannabinoids and synthetic drugs. Key studies using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), eye-tracking, and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were reviewed. Results show that opioids cause pupil constriction, impaired low-light vision, and slower saccadic eye movements. Cannabinoids, particularly THC, act on CB1 receptors, leading to retinal thinning, impaired accommodation, and delayed visual processing. Synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants, increase risks of retinal apoptosis, reduced color vision, and slower visual response due to neurotoxicity. The review underscores the need for targeted visual assessments: OCT for cannabis users, IOP and saccadic evaluations for opioid users, visual assessments for synthetic drug-dependent individuals. Future longitudinal research is critical to understanding these impacts and refining preventive care.

cannabinoids , cognitive impairments , neurotoxicity , opioids , synthetic drugs , visual apparatus

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Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Pavlodar Branch of Semey Medical University, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan
Kazakh National Medical University named after S.D. Asfendiyarov, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Semey Medical University
Karaganda Medical University
Pavlodar Branch of Semey Medical University
Kazakh National Medical University named after S.D. Asfendiyarov

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