Does Cannabis Help Treat Glaucoma?
Hello there, and welcome to “Cannabis Smoke TV”. Don't forget to like, subscribe and share.
Some myths are hard to get rid of, like the one that states marijuana can assist individuals with glaucoma.
Marijuana, likewise known as cannabis, has actually been utilized for medicinal functions for centuries. One location of research that has gotten attention recently is the possible use of cannabis for treating eye conditions, particularly glaucoma.
Glaucoma likewise called the "silent thief of sight," is a serious eye condition impacting millions worldwide. It is a serious eye condition defined by increased pressure within the eye, which can cause optic nerve damage and even loss of sight.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 2 million Americans have glaucoma, with a lot more at risk of establishing the condition.
What Is the Advantage of Medical Cannabis for Treating Glaucoma?
In 1971, a study showed that marijuana might assist lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma clients. Currently, the most common treatment for glaucoma is using eye drops and pills to minimize the pressure within the eye. Nevertheless, some clients might not respond well to these traditional treatments, making alternative options such as marijuana attractive.
Research has shown that marijuana can help lower the pressure within the eye, making it a prospective treatment alternative for glaucoma. Still, its efficiency is short-lived, lasting eight hours after one dose. The active compounds in marijuana, specifically THC and CBD, have been found to help slow or even prevent the progression of glaucoma.
One potential advantage of using medical cannabis to deal with glaucoma is that it can decrease the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP). This is important because high IOP is one of the leading reasons for optic nerve damage in individuals with glaucoma. In research studies, cannabis has actually been found to lower IOP by an average of 25-30% for a period of 3-4 hours. But only for a short duration. Which's a substantial downside.
Regardless of its prospective benefits, cannabis is not a practical way to treat eye conditions for several reasons. Aside from changing your mood, cannabis is understood to have some other negative effects, among which is particularly concerning for individuals with glaucoma. The drug can produce tachycardia (an unusually quick heart rate) and low blood pressure, limiting blood supply to an currently damaged optic nerve, consequently canceling the advantage of lower IOP.
Risks related to utilizing medical marijuana for glaucoma consist of possible adverse effects such as;
- Dry mouth
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dizziness
- Impaired memory and concentration.
In conclusion, the use of medical cannabis for glaucoma is controversial, and the evidence supporting its efficiency is blended. While marijuana might reduce intraocular pressure in the eye, the effects are temporary, and there are prospective risks and side effects related to its use. Until then, scientists are trying to find a much better way to mix THC so that it is much easier for people to manage and stays in their bodies longer. For now, individuals with glaucoma should stick to the conventional glaucoma medications that their physicians recommend.
Video Source: Open Angle Glaucoma Treatment
Please be sure to like, subscribe, and share.