CBD Benefits for Glaucoma: Know All About It

CBD became popular due to its excellent health benefits, but its effects on patients who suffer from glaucoma need more research on the disease. Some studies indicate that CBD could increase intraocular pressure (IOP), mainly because of optic nerve damage in the eyes of those people who suffer from glaucoma. This may make it potentially damaging rather than curative. For the time being, it remains essential for those suffering from glaucoma to first consult a professional doctor before using CBD as a drug. In this blog, you will learn whether CBD benefits glaucoma or if more study is needed on it.

CBD Benefits for Glaucoma

CBD may play a role in treating glaucoma. Most of the earliest research works treated cannabis derivatives, like CBD, as a possible supplement.

• CBD Generates Eye Pressure: CBD increases IOP, posing a threat to the patient's health with glaucoma. High IOP ranks as the single cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma cases.
• THC vs. CBD: While THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana, has shown some capacity to decrease IOP in the short term, CBD does not possess similar benefits and may even work counter-cyclically to THC and, therefore, be less effective.
• Short-term Effects: Any reduction in pressure caused by marijuana, if indeed occurring, would be transitory and persist for only some hours. Repeated dosing would be inconvenient.
• Other Potential Future Uses: Although CBD may be inappropriate for glaucoma, other potential uses for CBD based on its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities could be helpful in the future to support ocular well-being.

 THC vs CBD for Glaucoma

THC and CBD could act favourably in glaucoma, though they act in different ways and confer benefits and limitations.

• THC for Glaucoma: Since the 1970s, numerous research has been conducted on the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, known as THC, which established that it decreases intraocular pressure, which is the primary factor in glaucoma. This medication interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the eye; it lessens pressure on the optic nerve causing damage. This lowering may persist for several hours, and there is potential for appropriate temporary management in the form of THC.
• THC can delay vision loss due to its protective and health-promoting properties for retinal cells and optics, a hopeful factor for all those suffering from progressive glaucoma. That psychoactive effect of the "high" can be inconvenient; it requires repeated dosing during the day for it to be exerted.
• CBD for Glaucoma: CBD is a nonpsychoactive agent in marijuana that has been some cause for interest as it is believed to inhibit inflammation and help protect the optic nerve. A few studies published back in the 1970s demonstrated that CBD lowered IOP, so this compound was of interest to those seeking medical relief without the psychoactive impact associated with THC. Recent studies, however, indicate that CBD can indeed increase pressure in the eye and worsen the kind of glaucoma instead of helping it.

While THC is more consistently proven to lower IOP, it's less clear, and experts even advise that it should be used cautiously on its own for treating glaucoma. The use of low doses of CBD with THC can balance the treatment. Patients should take medication under the supervision of doctors.

CBD for Glaucoma in Dogs

CBD oil has been looked at for its potential benefits in treating glaucoma in dogs, an eye condition involving intense pressure inside the eye, leading to severe pain and loss of vision. It is not a cure by any means but merely something that can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and save the dog from the pain that comes with the disease. This occurs because of interference with the endocannabinoid system that could regulate many aspects of the body, including pressure around the eyes.

Some studies have indicated that CBD can protect against optic nerve damage and mitigate the progression of vision loss from glaucoma in dogs, CBD also helps decrease intraocular pressure, managing this symptom better than some prescription drugs. But always consult with your vet before using any CBD since dosing and quality are extremely variable. 

There are especially CBD-infused treats and oils for pets, and many dog owners have found them helpful in improving the comfort of their pets regarding the progression of glaucoma. Further research is required to understand long-term effects and optimal use.

Conclusion

CBD is known to have great health benefits, and even studies have shown the effectiveness of CBD in providing calmness in excessive pain caused by diseases. CBD increases IOP, which poses a threat to the patient's health with glaucoma. High IOP ranks as the single cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma cases.  CBD is a non-psychoactive agent. Some studies indicate that CBD can increase pressure in the eye and worsen the kind of glaucoma instead of helping it. Consulting your healthcare provider for appropriate medication is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does CBD work for glaucoma?

CBD has been credited with many health benefits, but its use in the treatment of glaucoma still has not reached even conclusive evidence. In other studies, although CBD exerts its potential benefits in anti-inflammatory capacity and neuroprotection, it doesn't display an effective method of lowering intraocular pressure, which is one of the main aspects of managing the development of glaucoma. 

CBD may have benefits for other conditions. Treating glaucoma with CBD, though, may be problematic without further study on the topic and healthcare provider advice. Always consult your physician before adding CBD to your therapy.

Q. How much CBD oil should I take for glaucoma?

But, using CBD oil for glaucoma requires much caution. In some trials, it has been discovered that cannabidiol might increase the pressure in your eyes. This will worsen the condition of patients suffering from glaucoma. The other chemical substance found in marijuana, THC, can cause relief of some symptoms and a decrease in the eye pressure, but only temporarily and is not a cure. Thus, most scientists do not recommend the use of CBD as a treatment for glaucoma. See an eye specialist for further recommendations on the safest and most viable treatments.