Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma

Your ReThink-Rx™ Doctor Will Help

Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to vision loss over time. While marijuana has not been conclusively shown to help glaucoma, some people claim that it does provide relief from symptoms. In this article, we will explore the evidence for and against marijuana as a treatment for glaucoma.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is Glaucoma and What are the Symptoms?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can cause vision loss and even blindness. There are no early warning signs for glaucoma, so it’s important to have regular eye exams.

One of the symptoms of glaucoma is high eye pressure. Eye pressure is usually measured during a routine eye exam. Other symptoms of glaucoma include:

• seeing halos around lights
• blurred vision
• difficulty distinguishing colors
• pain in the eye

Glaucoma can be treated with medications, surgery, or a combination of both. Treatment often starts with medications to lower eye pressure. If medications don’t work, surgery may be needed.

How Does Weed Help Glaucoma?

There is some evidence that cannabis may help to lower the pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients. This is likely because weed can help reduce inflammation and open blood vessels. 

Side Effects of Using Weed to Treat Glaucoma

Weed may help to lower intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma, but it can also cause a number of side effects, including:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Dizziness
• Slowed reaction time
• Impaired judgment
• Anxiety or paranoia

These side effects can be bothersome and may interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor about whether using weed to address your glaucoma is right for you.

Is Weed a Better Treatment Option than Prescription Medications?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the use of medical marijuana for glaucoma is still relatively new, and there is not a lot of research on the subject. However, some preliminary studies have shown that marijuana may be helpful in reducing the pressure in the eyes of people with glaucoma. Cannabis use should always be considered as an additional treatment, not a replacement for conventional therapy. Always discuss these decisions with your ophthalmologist. 

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or medical conditions.