Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, nearly 3 million Americans suffer from the eye condition. Surprisingly, half of them are unaware until the condition is severe. Glaucoma is prevalent among African-Americans. This article will look at how CBD oil can help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Also known as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by abnormal pressure in the eye – known as intraocular pressure (IOP). The eye produces a fluid known as aqueous humor that drains in the eye continuously. If the fluid doesn’t circulate properly, it builds up, causing increased pressure in the eyeball. Also, glaucoma may be caused by the reduced blood supply to the optic nerve fibres. If not treated in the early stages, it may lead to a total loss of vision.
Symptoms of glaucoma
- Blurred vision
- Seeing halos around bright lights
- Nausea and vomiting
- Eye pain
- Redness in the eye
Common Types of Glaucoma
- Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, with nearly 90% of all glaucoma cases. The condition occurs when the aqueous humor gets blocked and doesn’t circulate properly. This leads to increased pressure build-up. Usually, there are no warning signs for several years. However, if the condition is detected in its early stages, it can be treated.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a relatively rare condition whereby intraocular pressure rises rapidly without any warning. This form of glaucoma happens when the drainage canals get blocked since the iris is not wide, like for a healthy eye. Therefore, the pupil enlarges too much or too fast.
Could CBD oil be the holistic treatment glaucoma patients have been waiting for?
CBD for Glaucoma: Can it Work?
Keep in mind that there’s no permanent cure for glaucoma. In fact, the study of the effects of CBD Hemp Oil for glaucoma is in its infancy. However, the majority of the studies showed that cannabis or stains with high THC content might be a viable and effective treatment for glaucoma. Cannabis reduces intraocular pressure, the primary cause of glaucoma.
That said, it means you’ll be high almost every time. While this may be thrilling to some people, it may not be pleasing to others. This is where CBD (cannabidiol) comes in. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound of the marijuana plant, and some studies suggest that it may be useful in treating glaucoma with the help of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Glaucoma and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that controls the body’s operational functions such as response to pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. Regarding glaucoma, the cannabinoid receptors regulate intraocular pressure.
Researchers are hoping to create medications for glaucoma patients from cannabinoids like CBD that can target ocular issues to reduce intraocular pressure. With this, it can help manage retina cells from permanent damage that leads to loss of sight.
Over the past few decades, there has been evidence that CBD oil may help treat glaucoma. According to a 1979 study published by the International Journal of Pharmacology and Biopharmacology, examine the effects of CBD oil on 16 patients with open-angle glaucoma. After administering CBD oil on glaucoma patients, there was a reduction in blood pressure. As a result, a decrease in intraocular pressure – the primary cause of glaucoma.
Final Thoughts on CBD for Glaucoma
When CBD is administered properly, it could potentially treat glaucoma. CBD vaso-relaxant properties could increase the blood flow in the ocular tissues. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have the potential to provide relief for glaucoma.
