Medical Marijuana and Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma can be a debilitating vision condition, but not all cases are the same. Most people are familiar with open-angle glaucoma, which doesn’t have many sensations, but gradual, progressive vision loss exists. It can be corrected with surgery and medicated eye drops provided by an ophthalmologist. On the other hand, closed-angle glaucoma arrives suddenly and is excruciating for the patient. This version is caused by intraocular pressure, it can trigger side effects like nausea, and the pain sensations can last for hours. Typically, a prescribed pharmaceutical resolves the issue after treatment by an eye doctor.
Marijuana Treatment
In recent years, medical marijuana has grown in several fields, both in research and application. Some questions have been raised if marijuana can help with painful glaucoma. The eyedrop method has been proven. Yet, in some studies, medical marijuana has also been shown to reduce intraocular pressure. However, compared to eye drops, one would have to ingest a significant amount of marijuana to achieve the same relief over 8 to 10 hours.
Furthermore, the combination of marijuana and other pharmaceuticals prescribed also raises the risk of combination side effects. However, these side effects haven’t been studied, given the historical restriction on using marijuana for anything at all.
Finally, the effects of medical marijuana vary considerably due to the concentration and efficacy of a given dose. Unlike controlled pharmaceuticals, marijuana depends on how it is grown and the attention of Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in the organic batch. That creates variability in its given effect from one dose to the next.
Legal Problems with Usage
While many states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, the federal government has not. As a result, a patient walking around with a portable dose could quickly be arrested for having marijuana in their position on federal grounds or in federal jurisdiction, even if prescribed by a doctor in Leesburg, FL.
Not Enough is Known
Medical marijuana treatment generally reduces intraocular pressure in two of three patients by up to 25 percent. Yet the reason why and its specific product is not understood. Furthermore, the effect is short, maybe three to five hours at best.
Get the Best Eyecare Advice Locally in Leesburg, FL
While there is frequently a lot of chatter online about the benefits of medical marijuana treatment for glaucoma and other conditions, the best place to start is with a licensed eye doctor and a complete eye exam first.
At Fishman and Sheridan Eye Care Specialists, we can help. Our ophthalmologist team is fully versed in glaucoma conditions, treatment, and what medical marijuana treatment offers. We can walk patients through the latest conclusions by the National Eye Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and similar, as well as help patients through glaucoma symptoms. Call us at Leesburg (352) 353-4491, Eustis (352) 415-2739, or Clermont (352) 325-4585 to schedule an appointment today!
