With more Canadians than ever now living with glaucoma, an eye condition that damages the optic nerve and causes blindness, there’s never been a greater need to find solutions. That’s where cannabis comes in. Glaucoma is a group of conditions that increase pressure inside the eyeball, leading to damage to the optic nerve. Every type of glaucoma is triggered by increased intraocular pressure (or IOP). But cannabis works on so many levels to fight back against IOP and keep your vision intact. Here are four ways medical marijuana can help improve your glaucoma treatment.
Reduce Eye Pressure
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye and can result in damage to the optic nerve and eventual blindness. Together with a decrease in blood flow, high IOP can damage the eye’s delicate tissues and alter the vision negatively. A number of studies have shown that cannabinoids like CBD are able to reduce IOP by blocking certain enzymes that cause inflammation and tissue damage. People with glaucoma typically have higher than normal IOP and are at an increased risk of damage. A 2017 study looked at the effects of cannabinoids on 24 eyes with glaucoma. The researchers found that cannabinoids reduced IOP, which led to an increase in blood flow to the eye, therefore protecting vision from damage.
Help Relieve Eye Strain
Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. This also causes eye strain and painful eye pressure that causes people to opt for unhealthy measures to relieve the pain. Cannabinoids like CBD are able to reduce eye strain and eye pressure by blocking out enzymes that cause inflammation while encouraging blood vessels to expand and open in the eye. When pressure is relieved, the eye can now relax and not cause as much strain, leading to a more comfortable experience. A 2011 study looked at the effects of cannabinoids on 11 glaucoma patients experiencing eye strain. Researchers found that people reported a decrease in eye strain and eye pressure, leading to less eye strain and no longer experiencing pain in the eyes.
Fight Inflammation
Research is showing that cannabinoids like CBD are able to lower IOP by reducing the amount of inflammation in the eye. When the body is under chronic inflammation, it’s not able to function properly, which can lead to a number of health issues. In a glaucoma study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, researchers found that CBD was able to lower IOP by reducing the inflammatory response in the eye, which in turn reduced pressure.
Protect Vision
Glaucoma is a serious condition that can damage the optic nerve, which is found inside the eye and is responsible for transmitting images from the retina to the brain. Studies have shown that cannabinoids like CBD are able to protect the retina by reducing the damage that high IOP causes to the eyes. Research has shown that cannabinoids can lower IOP and reduce damage to the optic nerve. The more damage caused, the more blurred vision people experience and the more likely they are to experience glaucoma damage.
Conclusion
Studies suggest that using cannabis could reduce a person’s risk of developing glaucoma by up to 26 percent. CBD may also decrease eye pressure and ease eye strain. What’s more is that it’s been found to be an antioxidant that protects against eye inflammation and inflammation that can damage the optic nerve. Cannabis is a promising tool for glaucoma patients, especially those who suffer from pain and inflammation. And the good news is that it can be used alongside your glaucoma treatments. While more research is needed, it’s clear that cannabis has the potential to improve your glaucoma treatment and even save your vision. Visit BCMedichronic.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
