CBD contre le glaucome

Glaucoma is a condition which causes damage to the optic nerves in the eye. This illness happens when there is a fluid building up in the front area of the eye. This fluid increases the pressure and gradually does harm to the optic nerves.

These days, Glaucoma tends to be inherited from generation to generation. It often shows up in people who are 60 years old and above. If the damage continues for a long time, it can result in permanent blindness or partial vision loss. Most patients who are suffering from glaucoma have no early pain or symptoms. It’s important to see an eye doctor frequently so he or she would diagnose before a long-term vision loss occurs.

Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma

Some common symptoms and signs include a gradual loss of peripheral vision in both eyes, tunnel vision, severe eye pain, blurred vision, vomiting or nausea, red eyes, and unexpected vision issues, especially when lighting is limited.

Risk Factors For Glaucoma

There are some risk factors for developing Glaucoma including:

• Old age
• Ethnic background (Hispanics, East Asians, and African Americans have higher risks of developing glaucoma than Caucasians)
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Eye conditions
• Injuries
• Eye surgery
• Myopia

The Endocannabinoid System & Glaucoma

All of us have an endocannabinoid system, which plays an essential part in inflammation and neuroprotection. Specifically, the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the ocular tissues of our eye that are responsible for controlling intraocular pressure. Therefore, many scientists believe that the use of cannabinoid-based products such as CBD would have a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system and these cannabinoid receptors. In fact, the medications could potentially reduce the IOP and protect your retinal cells.

What Are Studies Saying About Using CBD to Treat Glaucoma?

A lot of clinical and experimental studies have been implemented all over the world to find the linkage between CBD and Glaucoma. Many of these have discovered that CBD and cannabis products can be used as a natural approach to treat Glaucoma.

For instance, a study by a group of professors from the University of Aberdeen, UK had demonstrated how cannabinoid compounds such as CBD can relieve the common symptoms of Glaucoma¹. This occurred as the cannabinoids successfully reduced the IOP and offered neuroprotective properties.

In 1972, another study was implemented, which found that taking cannabis would reduce IOP by 30 to 35 percent². Both of these studies point out that every patient can potentially treat their Glaucoma conditions through the consumption of CBD products.

Since the early 1980s, a couple of studies have been conducted in the US and Europe on the use of CBD on glaucoma treatments³. Many of them have proved that different cannabinoid compounds such as CBG, CBD, as well as endogenous cannabinoids can effectively lower IOP when topically administered. More importantly, many histological studies present the direct part of ocular CB1 receptors in the reduction of IOP produced by cannabinoids.

However, a new study⁴ doubts the benefits of CBD to treat glaucoma. It seems that CBD could even aggravate the symptoms of the disease.

These days, many ophthalmologists recommend their patients using CBD products rather than cannabis itself, particularly for those who are experiencing the mid-late stage of Glaucoma. Both CBD and Cannabis are able to provide therapeutic effects, but they are only short-term.

Recommended reading: CBD Eye drops

References

1. Tomida, I., Pertwee, R. and Azuara-Blanco, A. (2004). Cannabinoids and glaucoma. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 88(5), pp.708-713. [↩]
2. Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. and Robson, P. (2006). Effect of Sublingual Application of Cannabinoids on Intraocular Pressure: A Pilot Study. Journal of Glaucoma, 15(5), pp.349-353. [↩]
3. Russo, E. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, Volume 4, pp.245-259. [↩]
4. Adams, M. (2019). New Study Finds Marijuana Component CBD Makes Glaucoma Worse. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2018/12/18/new-study-finds-marijuana-component-cbd-makes-glaucoma-worse/#41a5acc6368f [↩]