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What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease in which the eye's optic nerve is damaged due to fluid build up around the front part of the eye that creates high pressure. One of the two main types of glaucoma is open-angle and is the most common form that accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, there are 3 million Americans who are currently living with glaucoma, yet only 50% of these individuals are aware that they have this condition.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with this condition are:
Blind spots
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye pain
Redness of the eyes
Nausea
Headaches
Vomiting
Vision disturbances
The only way to control glaucoma and prevent vision loss is to lower your IOP levels. An ophthalmologist can treat glaucoma with medication, such as prescription eye drops or surgery, depending on how severe it is.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged, which often results in partial or total blindness. This optic nerve damage is usually due to intraocular pressure, and medical marijuana effectively reduces intraocular pressure. Therefore, medical marijuana is an effective treatment to alleviate the symptoms of glaucoma.
Marijuana is effective at reducing intraocular pressure, and there are new products that can provide all of the medicinal benefits of the drug without the associated ‘high’. These products make extensive use of the compound found in marijuana known as CBD, which isn’t psychoactive. Without the “high”, medical marijuana can be used throughout the day without interfering with your normal activities.
The effects of a single-dose may be short-lived, but this does not delegitimize marijuana’s effectiveness at improving quality of life for patients with glaucoma. In addition to providing a nearly instant reduction in intraocular pressure, medical marijuana can provide relief from other symptoms of the disease including nausea, pain, and headaches.
If you or someone you love suffers from glaucoma, you do qualify for medical marijuana treatment. Call us today (855) 607 -5458 to learn more and to book your appointment!