What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, whose health is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is also a leading cause of blindness in people over 60 and can occur at any age, although it is more common among older adults.
Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is in an advanced stage.
Because vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, it is important to have regular eye exams that include intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements to enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be delayed or prevented. People with glaucoma generally require treatment for the rest of their lives.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. Some examples include:
Open-angle glaucoma
- Irregular blind spots in the side (peripheral vision) or central vision, often in both eyes.
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Severe headache
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Redness of the eyes
If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
CBD to treat glaucoma
So far, several studies have determined that CBD products contain various useful medicinal components that act as vaso-relaxants and can help increase ocular blood flow.
Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be effective in alleviating common glaucoma symptoms. This is why more and more people are seeking treatment with CBD products.
Furthermore, many patients often experience unexpected uncomfortable symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, and severe pain. Therefore, they turn to CBD treatment primarily because these products contain analgesic and anti-nausea properties. Of course, the amount of use will depend on the individual stage.
The endocannabinoid system and glaucoma
We all have an endocannabinoid system that plays an essential role in inflammation and neuroprotection. Specifically, the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the ocular tissues of our eyes, which are responsible for controlling intraocular pressure. Therefore, many scientists believe that the use of cannabinoid-based products like CBD has a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system and its receptors. In fact, these medications can protect retinal cells.
How can I use CBD to treat glaucoma?
When used correctly, CBD can be a great option for many people. However, it's important to remember that each person is unique and everyone's reaction to CBD is different. The recommended dosage for each product can vary greatly, creating some confusion. Dosage may vary depending on the percentage of CBD oil. On average, 25 mg of CBD per day is effective for most people. For severe symptoms, the dose can be slowly increased over a week until symptoms improve.
These days, many ophthalmologists recommend that their patients use CBD products instead of cannabis itself, specifically for those experiencing late-middle-stage glaucoma.
Benefits of CBD for treating glaucoma
CBD may help relieve intraocular pressure in the eye, thereby alleviating symptoms and reducing damage.
In general, glaucoma damages the eyes due to the excessive release of a harmful chemical known as glutamate. This compound leads to the death of neurons in the retina following the formation of peroxynitrite. A 2011 study revealed that CBD products can prevent the formation of harmful peroxynitrite. As a result, it will provide maximum protection for nerve cells from glutamate-induced cell death.
In addition to minimizing cell death, CBD has also been shown to be helpful in treating some risk factors.
More scientific evidence on the use of medicinal cannabis to treat glaucoma
- A study conducted by a group of professors at the University of Aberdeen, UK, demonstrated how cannabinoid compounds such as CBD can alleviate common symptoms of glaucoma.
- In 1972, another study revealed that cannabis could reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by 30 to 35 percent. Both studies indicate that individual patients can impact their glaucoma conditions through the use of CBD products.
Sharing is caring! :) , follow us on our social networks.
PRONAPRESA
"Because prevention is better than cure"
