The optic nerve, whose health is essential for proper vision, can be damaged by a collection of eye disorders known collectively as glaucoma. High intraocular pressure is a common culprit in cases of such injury. Also, it’s a major factor in blindness in the elderly (60+). Everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma, although the elderly are at higher risk.

Does Glaucoma Present Any Early Symptoms?

In many cases of glaucoma, no symptoms will appear. Because of how subtly it affects vision, you might not recognize a problem until it has progressed significantly. Regular eye exams that include measures of ocular pressure are critical for detecting glaucoma early and treating it effectively before permanent vision loss occurs. Loss of eyesight from glaucoma can be reduced or avoided if the disease is diagnosed in its early stages. A lifetime of care is usually required for those who are diagnosed with this illness. Click here to get more about medical cannabis treatment.

What are the Causes of Glaucoma?

Increased intraocular pressure is typically the root cause of this condition.

Distinct Forms of Glaucoma 

Primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, often known as narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma, are the two most common forms of the disease.

Initial Open-angle Glaucoma

Most cases of glaucoma are caused by primary open-angle glaucoma. Symptoms of the illness often emerge over time. Fluid in your eye won’t drain as efficiently as usual. The resulting increase in intraocular pressure can be detrimental to the health of the optic nerve. In the early stages, you won’t experience any discomfort or see any changes to your eyesight.

It is more likely that you will get glaucoma if your optic nerve is very sensitive to pressure. You need to get regular eye exams so your doctor can detect and treat any problems early.

Angle-closure Glaucoma

When the drainage angle of the eye is located in close proximity to the iris, a condition known as angle-closure glaucoma can set in. As a matter of fact, it’s so near that your iris might obstruct the drainage angle, leading to a sharp increase in intraocular pressure. This is a true emergency and is referred to as an acute attack. If you don’t see an eye doctor soon, you may lose your sight.

The progression of this form of glaucoma might be relatively gradual in some persons but not in others. Starting off, there will be zero casualties. No symptoms of the illness will appear until an assault occurs or significant harm has been done. If you don’t obtain treatment for acute episodes quickly, your eye pressure might rise to hazardous levels, and you could go blind.

Most additional forms of glaucoma are subtypes of the three described above. It is possible for one or both of your eyes to be affected by any of these disorders. Some examples are: congenital (or juvenile) glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, traumatic glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma.

Why Does Glaucoma Occur?

As a result of trauma to the eye’s optic nerve, glaucoma can develop. Blind spots appear in your range of vision when the health of this nerve deteriorates over time. There appears to be a correlation between elevated intraocular pressure and this type of nerve injury, albeit the exact mechanism is still unclear to medical professionals.

The accumulation of fluid (aqueous humour) that circulates throughout the eye’s interior is the primary cause of increased intraocular pressure. Normally, this fluid would escape via a tissue called the trabecular meshwork located at the junction of the iris and the cornea. Overproduction of fluid or a malfunctioning drainage system both contribute to elevated intraocular pressure, which can lead to serious vision problems.

Genetic links to glaucoma have been identified. Researchers have found genes in some people that increase risk for developing excessive eye pressure and subsequent optic nerve injury.

Is there anything that can be done to treat glaucoma?

Cannabinoids in medical mairijuana have been shown in many clinical studies to be just as effective as more traditional glaucoma treatments at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). This is true for oral, intravenous, and inhaled administration of cannabinoids but not for topical application to the eyes.

Long-term clinical research is necessary to investigate the safety and effectiveness of marijuana in its possibility that it may be beneficial in treating glaucoma. Many countries have legalised marijuana for the treatment of conditions similar glaucoma because it has helped so many individuals manage their symptoms.

Glaucoma Treatment with Medical Marijuana in Australia

Where you live will have a significant impact on whether or not you have legal access to medical marijuana for glaucoma. Not all nations have legalised the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and among those that do, programme details can vary widely. Before beginning a cannabis-based treatment regimen for glaucoma, you should get familiar with the legislation surrounding medical marijuana in your place.

The only way to know for sure if you qualify for medical marijuana in your state to treat glaucoma is to schedule an appointment with a state-approved doctor. They will diagnose you and give you permission to utilise. 

Glaucoma Treatment Options with Medical Marijuana in Australia

Patients with glaucoma should know that smoking is the way that often provides the quickest relief from symptoms.

• Edibles: These days, you may get edibles in a wide range of styles and flavours. The impact of edibles is slower to set in but more long-lasting. Since they may be taken in secret, many individuals like using them. These may be manufactured at home or bought already made.
• Fresh, raw pot leaves may be blended with fruit juice to make a delicious drink. Symptoms can be managed with regular fluid intake (every four hours or so).
• Sprays: Sprays are available in many tasty varieties and can be used incognito.
• Tinctures are a convenient alternative to capsules since they may be added straight to liquids, but they can add up in cost.
• Pills and tablets provide a convenient and inconspicuous method for people to consume cannabis.

To know more about where to buy medical cannabis in Australia and other medical marijuana resources, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.

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