An eye condition where the peripheral vision is reduced before leading to total blindness is known to be glaucoma. In glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged over time due to increased eye pressure. Eye pressure is also called intraocular pressure or IOP. Eye conditions such as glaucoma cannot be treated with cannabis or any other compounds that are derived from marijuana. Eye pressure should be controlled 24 hours a day to treat glaucoma effectively. With this information, it is not safe to use marijuana without medical advice.
There is no clear connection to how cannabis affects eye pressure and glaucoma. There is a possibility that eyes can be damaged and vision can worsen when cannabis is used long-term. To make it clear, high eye pressure is not the only cause behind the damage to the optic nerve. It can also be from low blood flow.
Since marijuana has been legalized for medical or recreational use in U.S. states and Canada, possibilities were raised to treat many health conditions. Marijuana is believed to not only lower the eye pressure but also the blood pressure throughout the body. Until more research has been done, the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend the use of marijuana or other cannabis products as a treatment of glaucoma.
Can THC Benefit People With Glaucoma?
THC is a compound that can be found in cannabis. Ingestion of 18 to 20mg of THC six to eight times a day is needed to reduce eye pressure. Ingesting a large amount of cannabis can affect your mental clarity and health. Though it is believed to reduce eye pressure, it still lack enough evidence that THC can overall benefit people with glaucoma.
Numerous studies have been done on THC eye drops, pills, and cigarettes. In a study, patients with glaucoma were offered THC-containing pills and/or cigarettes. They asked to stop the medication due to the side effects within nine months.
Can I Self-Medicate Marijuana if I Have Glaucoma?
It is the best option for you to speak with your ophthalmologist regarding the best glaucoma treatment for you. Inform your doctor if you are using marijuana regularly. Never self-medicate with marijuana in an attempt to treat glaucoma because you are risking your vision. The only way to control glaucoma is to lower eye pressure. It is safer and reliable to treat glaucoma with medications such as prescription eye drops or surgery than marijuana.
