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Most of us consider deteriorating vision as an unavoidable part of getting older. As we age, our eyesight ages too, and we become more susceptible to eye health issues such as cataracts and glaucoma.
It's logical to seek out alternative treatments and preventative therapies for treating age-related eye diseases and degeneration. Interestingly, cannabidiol (CBD) for glaucoma is posing an exciting option in this regard.
Table of Contents:
1. Glaucoma and Eye Health
2. CBD for Glaucoma: How Can It Help?
3. CBD for Eye-Related Health Issues
4. Cannabinoids Like CBD and CBN for Glaucoma
5. The Current Research into CBD For Cataracts
6. Conclusion
1. Glaucoma and Eye Health
Glaucoma, as well as other eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, can become serious as or if it progresses. In fact, according to the National Eye Institute, the future is looking rather grim for overall eye health.
Between 2000 and 2010, the number of age-related macular degeneration cases in the United States increased from 1.75 million to 2.07 million. Experts predict that by 2050, the number of people affected by these conditions will have skyrocketed to more than five million. [1]
The statistics are similar for other common eye health issues. For example, between 2000 and 2010, the number of Americans suffering from cataracts increased from 20.48 million to 24.41 million. [2]
Similarly, the number of glaucoma cases went from 2.22 million to 2.72 million over the same ten year period, with an expectation that the condition will affect more than six million people by the year 2050. Clearly, eye health is something we need to view more seriously. [3]
2. CBD for Glaucoma: How Can It Help?
For the uninitiated - cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring substance found in the Cannabis sativa L species of Cannabis genus of plants. Scientists have identified more than 100 cannabinoids in the plant, and each interacts with the human body in subtly different ways.
After THC, CBD is currently the second most-popular and well researched cannabinoid. However, the two compounds have significant differences between them.
RELATED: What Does CBD Mean?
CBD has many interesting medicinal benefits and is under study by medical researchers for many more. Unlike THC, it does not trigger any associated ‘high’, and has zero psychoactivity. If it is felt at all, users describe the experience as a mellow relaxation when taken in higher doses. (Click to tweet)
CBD and CBN (cannabinol) are also favored for their neuroprotective properties. CBN is able to modulate neuroprotection and intraocular pressure (IOP), this suggests serious potential when it comes to this special cannabinoid being used as a therapeutic intervention for glaucoma. We will discuss this in more depth later.
For many, the experience of CBD is simply preferred. Some individuals do not want to feel intoxicated whatsoever. This, and also its healthful properties are why many are seeking out CBD oil for glaucoma and a number of other, eye-related health issues.
RELATED: What is Holistic Health and How Does It Benefit You?
3. CBD for Eye-Related Health Issues
Research, while still preliminary, is showing some interesting and promising findings for CBD oil for glaucoma and eye-related health issues such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. It also shows that cannabinoids, both synthetic and natural, may be instrumental in improving night vision and slowing down vision loss. Cannabidiol seems to be an effective way to control issues related to eye health. [4][5]
In this article, we'll focus primarily on the two most problematic eye health issues in America today, which are glaucoma and cataracts.
4. Cannabinoids Like CBD and CBN for Glaucoma
The benefits of CBN for glaucoma treatment are one of the main areas of focus on cannabinoids for eye health. This cannabinoid has long shown benefits for relieving the most painful and dangerous effect of glaucoma, which is intraocular pressure. Over time, through retinal nerve damage (or more rarely, through acute injury), it is natural for ocular pressure to build up. If left unchecked, it is at risk of developing into full-blown glaucoma.
Glaucoma is hereditary and especially if your parents or grandparents were diagnosed, it is necessary to go for checks every two to three years.
This is where things get more interesting:
A recent study of CBN concluded that this cannabinoid could have therapeutic potential for glaucoma because of its ability to normalize IOP levels as well as abrogating changes to EMC proteins in the eye. [9]
In addition, according to a 2006 report from the University of Aberdeen, sublingual application of THC and CBD showed positive benefits for temporarily reducing the intraocular pressure.[6]
This indicates that Cannabis Sativa L has quite a few cannabinoids present that may be able to help manage the symptoms of glaucoma, not just CBN. Full-spectrum CBD oil utilizes all of the components of Cannabis Sativa L, including trace amounts of terpenes, fatty acids, essential oils, flavonoids, and THC. This type of oil typically is regarded as more effective because of the entourage effect produced by all of the cannabinoids working together. This synergistic effect yields maximum results.
If you’re looking for a pure, powerful full-spectrum CBD, look no further. SOL CBD’s Pure CBD Tincture is a great addition to your daily routine, especially if you’re interested in trying natural alternatives for managing glaucoma.
5. The Current Research into CBD For Cataracts
Unfortunately, at this time there is little, if any, reliable scientific research on any cannabinoids for the treatment of cataracts. According to most reputable sources, the only treatment option is eye surgery to remove the cataract. There is no recognized alternative therapy for cataracts.
Now:
With that said, CBD may prove beneficial to people going into eye surgery for the removal of cataracts, or for post-surgical recovery. According to a recent survey, people most often rely on CBD for anxiety medication. (Click to tweet)
Could CBD help people overcome the fear and anxiety before a cataract operation? [7]
RELATED: How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety Relief
What else could CBD do for cataracts? CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and may be beneficial during the recovery stage. This theory has yet to be demonstrated through scientific study.[8]
RELATED: Could CBD Be Inflammation’s Worst Enemy...Naturally?
6. Conclusion
In summary, there is some indication of the usefulness of CBD oil for glaucoma and other eye-related health issues but more robust, clinically sound study on human subjects is needed. Never attempt to replace any prescribed medicine, also for post-operative recovery, with CBD oil without your prescribing doctor’s knowledge and consent.
Sources:
[1] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/amd
[2] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/cataract
[3] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/glaucoma
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014483514000347
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16988594
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25703248
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925443921002581
