Glaucoma is an eye disease. When the pressure inside the eye - called intraocular pressure - increases, it damages the optic nerve, the eye's main nerve responsible for vision.
CBD for glaucoma
Cannabis contains both THC and CBD. Some varieties are rich in THC, while others are richer in CBD. Whatever the case, when it comes to cannabis, THC is always present. CBD products, on the other hand, must contain less than 0.2% THC to be sold legally in France.
The research argues that while THC lowers intraocular pressure, CBD itself seems to have the opposite effect and is not recommended in the treatment of glaucoma.
Researchers have yet to fully understand the mechanisms by which cannabinoids such as THC reduce intraocular pressure. However, some clinical trials have repeatedly shown that the correct and effective use of cannabis reduces intraocular pressure.
Some theories suggest that cannabinoids increase aqueous humor drainage and stimulate CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CBD, however, is known to stimulate CB1 receptors, but with the opposite effect.
What the research says about CBD for glaucoma
There isn't much research on CBD for glaucoma, THC having stolen the show. But existing research does not support the use of CBD for glaucoma.
A recent study revealed that CBD caused an increase in intraocular pressure and even prevented THC from lowering intraocular pressure. This suggests that THC, not CBD, is responsible for lowering intraocular pressure, indicating that cannabis varieties with high THC content are ideal for treating glaucoma.
A small clinical trial on THC and CBD for glaucoma revealed that THC significantly lowered intraocular pressure, while CBD had no effect or increased intraocular pressure at higher doses.
In short, research does not seem to support the use of CBD for glaucoma.
What causes glaucoma?
The exact reason why some people develop glaucoma is not known. Glaucoma appears to be more common in people with diabetes. Other risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Presbyopia
- Ocular trauma
- African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit or Scandinavian descent
- Use of steroid medications
Glaucoma symptoms
One of the main problems with detecting open-angle glaucoma is that, for most people, there are no telltale symptoms. It's extremely common to have a slow increase in intraocular pressure without noticing pain or any other warning.
One of the first signs people notice is loss of peripheral vision (vision to the sides of your eyes). At this stage, glaucoma is usually already advanced.
In angle-closure glaucoma, which is rare, people may experience eye pain, blurring and severe headaches, leading to nausea and vomiting. If this happens, the patient should seek immediate medical attention.
Two types of glaucoma
The result of glaucoma is serious. If the pressure continues to rise, it can lead to irreversible changes in vision and permanent blindness.
The reason why pressure builds up in the eye is due to poor drainage of the fluid in the eye, called aqueous humor.
There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle, which is the most common, and angle-closure, which is less common:
- In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the area where the fluid is supposed to drain appears normal, but for some reason it doesn't drain properly.
- In angle-closure glaucoma, drainage of the aqueous humor suddenly becomes impaired, causing a sudden increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency
Sources and scientific studies are cited and linked in the content of the above article.
- Glaucoma