What CBD Can Help With: Glaucoma Risk Factors

While CBD may not help with glaucoma directly, it can help with other issues that may aggravate existing IOP issues. Let’s take a look at them:

1. CBD & High Blood Pressure

CBD oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure and manage stress due to its ability to increase blood flow during times of stress [10].

CBD acts as a vasodilator — it allows the blood to flow more freely by relaxing the smooth muscle cells within blood vessels and taking away pressure placed on the arteries.

2. CBD & Diabetes

Diabetes is a major cause of two specific types of glaucoma known as open-angle glaucoma (the most common form of the disease), and neovascular glaucoma.

There are several theories as to why this happens — including such processes as inflammation in the eye, retinal cell death from high blood sugar levels, and the development of dysfunctional blood vessels in the eye.

Chronic inflammation due to insulin resistance is a key factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD treat this inflammation, thus improving the body’s metabolism and glycemic control [11].

What does this mean?

CBD can reduce inflammation that leads to developing type 2 diabetes, which may reduce the chances of diabetic-induced glaucomas.

3. CBD & Inflammation

Cannabinoids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents — largely due to their interactions with the ECS.

They do this by inhibiting cell proliferation, and suppressing inflammatory cytokines [12].

What does this mean?

Simply put, CBD can reduce inflammation and influence certain immune cells. 

Can CBD Oil Help With Glaucoma?

When using cannabis for glaucoma, there are three main things to remember:

1. Oils high in CBD are not recommended if you have glaucoma — THC is the only cannabinoid backed by research to be a potential treatment for glaucoma
2. Always follow the advice of a medical practitioner — be open about your interest in trying cannabis products to support your symptoms
3. When it comes to dosing, the key is to start low and go slow

There are different methods for treating glaucoma with cannabis. You can try topical eye drops or take in the form of oral drops, pastes, capsules, or in tea or lozenges. Concentrations vary greatly between products and how it is prepared.

As we are all different, the dosage will vary with each individual. We recommend starting with a small dose, such as 10 mg of extract per day, and see how you react.

As everyone responds to cannabis differently it may take some trial and error to get the right dose for you.

Keep a daily journal of dosages, timings and any symptoms. This will help you to find your personal optimal dose.

It’s important to note that higher doses (>40 mg) of CBD increase IOP. So it is extremely important to read the label of the product you are using.

Use cannabis oils, do not smoke marijuana. Smoking marijuana long-term is not recommended as a treatment for glaucoma due to its short duration of action and risk of lung damage over time.

Is Cannabis Oil Safe?

You can’t overdose on CBD.

However, quality counts.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) CBD oil, in its pure state, does not cause harm or have the potential for abuse even at high doses [13].

The research we have discussed here is based on using high-quality CBD. It’s important you make sure you use a high-quality CBD product that is free from contaminants and artificial additives.

CBD oils may have some side effects — especially if you’re using a CBD oil that also has THC inside (recommended for glaucoma).

The main side-effects of CBD and THC supplements include:

• Paranoia
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Low blood pressure

What is Glaucoma?

The name glaucoma belongs to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye. It tends to worsen gradually over time.

Most commonly, this is due to increased pressure inside the eye — known as intraocular pressure (IOP).

The front of the eye produces what is known as the ‘aqueous humor’, a fluid that is continuously drained from the eye. If this fluid doesn’t circulate out of the eye properly, it builds up — causing increased pressure within the eyeball.

Glaucoma may also be caused by poor blood supply to the optic nerve fibers or a weakness in the nerve structure of the eye [4].

There Are Two Types of Glaucoma

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases [5].

OAG happens when the aqueous humor (the clear liquid that lubricates and nourishes the inside of the front of the eye) becomes blocked and doesn’t drain properly. This causes pressure to rise in the eye, eventually damaging the optic nerve.

Often there are no warning signs, with loss of vision occurring gradually over several years without pain or discomfort.

With early detection, you can treat and slow down the condition.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is different from OAG in that the eye pressure can rise rapidly. It’s a rare form of the disorder.

ACG happens when the peripheral part of the iris — the colored part of the eye — becomes blocked over the drainage canals. The pupil will enlarge too much or too quickly.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Blurry vision
• Seeing “halos” in the eyes under bright lights
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Not all patients with glaucoma will have elevated intraocular pressure, but what’s been found is that for every mmHg(a measurement of pressure) that intraocular pressure is lowered, it reduces the risk of the disorder by 10% [6].

Anyone can get glaucoma, however, some people are more at risk than others.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes
• Aged 40 years and over
• Previous injuries to the eye
• Hypertension
• High eye pressure
• Myopic or “near-sighted”

If you experience any of the following symptoms you should see your eye specialist as soon as possible.

• Vision loss
• Halos in bright lights
• Redness in the eye
• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary greatly between individuals, you may have some or none of the symptoms mentioned.

This is why it is important to have regular visits with your eye specialist to ensure the condition is detected in its early stages.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

As glaucoma initially causes peripheral vision loss (side vision) undetectable to the patient, regular eye check-ups — especially after the age of 40 — are essential to screen for glaucoma, assessing if further examination is needed.

A Glaucoma Test Usually Includes the Following:

• Optic nerve check with an ophthalmoscope
• Eye pressure check (tonometry)
• Visual field assessment if needed — this tests the sensitivity of the peripheral vision, where glaucoma initially starts.

Conventional Treatments for Glaucoma

Most treatments for open-angle glaucoma are aimed at lowering and controlling eye pressure or decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. The most common treatment is specialized eye drops — an ophthalmologist decides on which treatment to use or a combination of therapies.

1. Eye Drops

These are the most common initial forms of treatment and are classified by their active chemical ingredient. These include prostaglandins, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and rho kinase inhibitors. Certain drugs should not be used with CBD, so always speak to your doctor first if you’re using any medications (prescription and over-the-counter.)

Common Side Effects of Eye Drops:

• Eye drops that contain prostaglandins can cause stinging, burning, and eye color change.
• Beta-blocker medications used in a variety of glaucoma eye drops can cause reduced heart rate and adverse side effects in individuals with heart and lung problems such as emphysema, diabetes, and depression.
• Alpha agonist-based eye drops can cause burning, stinging, fatigue, headache, and drowsiness.

2. Oral Medications

Medications such as Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAIs) can be used in conjunction with eye drops.

CAIs can cause systemic side effects such as transient myopia (short-sightedness), frequent urination, tingling of the extremities, and lightheadedness.

3. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Laser treatments are performed if eye drops have failed to control deterioration in vision. The effects of laser treatment are often not permanent, and many patients will need to return to medications.

Side Effects of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) May Include:

• Mild side effects include soreness, redness, and blurring of vision.
• Elevated Eye Pressure — In some cases the eye pressure can increase after the procedure. This increase in eye pressure is usually temporary and may be treated with additional eye drops or oral medications. Very rarely this increase in eye pressure can persist and require more invasive surgical procedures to be performed.
• Peripheral Anterior Synechiae — adhesion of the iris to the cornea.
• Inflammation & Swelling — In rare cases, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can lead to persistent inflammation within the eye. This is a potentially serious complication that can lead to other problems in the eye.

4. Surgery (Trabeculectomy)

Surgery is performed if eye drops, medications or laser has failed to control the pressure in the eye. Surgery can be effective, however, there are risks involved.

Side Effects of Surgery Include:

• Postoperative infection
• Drooping eyelid
• Double vision
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Developing a hole near the operation site
• Scarring
• Low IOP (hypotony)

In severe cases, some people experience:

• Hemorrhaging inside the affected eye
• Choroidal detachment
• Vision loss
• Loss of the eye itself

If treated and monitored, glaucoma will usually not lead to blindness. Only about 5% of patients with glaucoma experience vision loss. While it isn’t a condition that can be cured, there are many options available to maintain IOP at normal levels. These options include medication, laser, and surgery.

Final Verdict: Using Cannabis for Glaucoma

Most of the research up until this point shows that THC is effective in reducing IOP, while CBD interferes with THC activity.

For the small percentage of people who suffer continued vision loss even after controlling their IOP, THC is an antioxidant that can help prevent retinal ganglion cell apoptosis.

Unfortunately, since CBD does not relieve IOP, one would need to find an oil that is high in THC and avoid CBD specific oils.

Of course, you should also continue with the medication schedule ordered by your ophthalmologist. To prevent any drug interactions, always check with your doctor before beginning any supplemental treatment.

References

1. Tham, Y. C., Li, X., Wong, T. Y., Quigley, H. A., Aung, T., & Cheng, C. Y. (2014, November 1). Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.05.013
2. Glaucoma Treatment, Symptoms & Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2018, from https://www.lei.org.au/services/eye-health-information/glaucoma/
3. Lederer C. M. (2012). The use of marijuana to treat glaucoma. Missouri medicine, 109(2), 95. Retrieved August 22, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181747/
4. Weinreb, R. N., Aung, T., & Medeiros, F. A. (2014). The pathophysiology and treatment of glaucoma: a review. JAMA, 311(18), 1901–1911. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.3192
5. Types of Glaucoma | Glaucoma Research Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2018, from https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/types-of-glaucoma.php
6. Cairns, E. A., Baldridge, W. H., & Kelly, M. E. M. (2016, January 12). The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma. Neural Plasticity. Hindawi. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9364091
7. Tomida, I., Pertwee, R. G., & Azuara-Blanco, A. (2004). Cannabinoids and glaucoma. The British journal of ophthalmology, 88(5), 708–713. doi:10.1136/bjo.2003.032250
8. Philpott, H. T., OʼBrien, M., & McDougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442–2451. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001052
9. Kokona, D., Georgiou, P.-C., Kounenakis, M., Kiagiadaki, F., & Thermos, K. (2016). Endogenous and Synthetic Cannabinoids as Therapeutics in Retinal Disease. Neural Plasticity, 2016, 8373020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8373020
10. Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight, 2(12). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760
11. Horváth, B., Mukhopadhyay, P., Haskó, G., & Pacher, P. (2012). The endocannabinoid system and plant-derived cannabinoids in diabetes and diabetic complications. The American Journal of Pathology, 180(2), 432–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.11.003
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