Medical Marijuana Treatment for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful eye condition that can lead to blindness, often caused by a buildup of pressure on the nerves and systems that help the eye function. While the vision damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, many treatment options exist to help reduce and relieve the condition’s symptoms.
Research suggests that medical cannabis may be an effective treatment option for people with glaucoma, both as a way to relieve unpleasant side effects and to reduce pressure in the eye that could lead to this condition.
What Is Glaucoma?
The leading cause of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, which is important for maintaining our field of vision. If you develop glaucoma, you will experience blind spots and disruption to your eyesight that can impact your quality of life.
There are many types of glaucoma, each with their own set of symptoms. These include open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma.
Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, include:
- Patchy blind spots in the field of vision
- Tunnel vissionj
Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, one of the most serious types of glaucoma that requires emergency medical attention, may include:
- Headache
- Pain in the eye
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
Leaving any type of glaucoma untreated will often lead to blindness. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, surgeries, and oral medications. Side effects of these medications can be unpleasant, and may include fatigue, upset stomach, and depression.
Using Medical Marijuana to Treat Glaucoma
Traditional treatments for glaucoma can be very unpleasant. The side effects of prescription eye drops and oral medication can be overwhelming for some people, and without treatment, these patients may see a negative progression in their symptoms.
Research suggests that medical marijuana may be an effective alternative to traditional glaucoma treatment. Studies from the 1970s show that medical cannabis, when inhaled or taken orally, can reduce the pressure in the eye that contributes to the severity of glaucoma.
In addition, medical marijuana is an effective option for relieving unpleasant side effects and symptoms of glaucoma and glaucoma treatment. Marijuana has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and nausea-reducing effects, and glaucoma and its treatment often results in stomach issues, eye pain, and uncomfortable forms of inflammation. As a supplement to traditional treatment, medical cannabis can be very effective for glaucoma patients.
Need Help Applying for a Cannabis Card?
Glaucoma can be painful, and the side effects of its treatment are usually unpleasant. If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, cannabis can be a valuable addition to your treatment regimen. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute can help you receive the treatment you need.
We offer evaluation services to medical marijuana patients looking to apply for a cannabis card in their state. Our network of physicians hold the credentials and registrations necessary to evaluate your glaucoma and provide you with a certification for medical marijuana.
Contact the Sanctuary today at (484) 346-5140 to schedule your evaluation. Our staff members are happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute
226 W Rittenhouse Square Suite 101
Philadelphia, PA 19103
John DiBella is a medical marijuana advocate, owner of The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, and a writer. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping and sailing.
