Lowering Intraocular Pressure with Cannabis

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If you’re dealing with glaucoma, you know how important it is to manage your eye health. One of the key concerns with glaucoma is lowering the pressure inside your eyes, known as intraocular pressure, as high pressure can damage your optic nerve and lead to vision loss. Luckily, cannabis has shown promise in helping with this.

Understanding Glaucoma and Eye Pressure

Glaucoma is a condition where the fluid inside your eye doesn’t drain properly. This causes pressure to build up, which can harm your optic nerve, and if left untreated, it can lead to blindness. The tricky part is that glaucoma often has no symptoms until it’s quite advanced, so regular eye check-ups are crucial.

Lowering that pressure is the main goal in glaucoma treatment. Doctors usually prescribe eye drops or surgery to help, but some patients look for alternative options, like marijuana, to support their treatment plan.

Marijuana for Glaucoma Relief

Marijuana has been studied for its ability to lower eye pressure. The active compounds in cannabis, called cannabinoids, interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate many functions, including eye pressure.

Research shows that smoking or ingesting cannabis can reduce intraocular pressure for a few hours, which can help protect your optic nerve from damage. However, the pressure reduction is temporary, so it’s not a standalone cure. You still need to follow your doctor’s advice and use prescribed treatments.

If you’re considering marijuana for glaucoma relief, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Start low and go slow: Begin with a small dose to see how your body reacts.

• Choose the right strain: Some strains have higher THC, which is more effective for pressure reduction.

• Use consistent dosing: Regular use may help maintain benefits.

• Talk to your doctor: Always discuss cannabis use with your primary healthcare provider.

  
  

How Cannabis Helps Lower Eye Pressure

Cannabis lowers eye pressure by relaxing the muscles around the eye and increasing fluid drainage, which helps reduce the buildup of pressure inside the eye. The main cannabinoid responsible for this is THC, which binds to receptors in the eye.

Besides lowering pressure, marijuana may also have neuroprotective effects, which means it could help protect your optic nerve from damage caused by glaucoma. Some studies suggest that cannabinoids reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the eye.

Practical Tips for Using Cannabis Safely

If you decide to use cannabis for glaucoma, safety is key. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

1. Get a medical marijuana card: In Arkansas, qualifying patients can get a card to access medical cannabis legally.

2. Choose your method: Smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures all work differently. Smoking or vaping acts fast but lasts shorter. Edibles take longer but last longer.

3. Monitor your eye pressure: Keep track of your pressure with regular eye exams.

   
   

Remember, cannabis is just one part of managing glaucoma; don’t skip your eye drops or doctor visits.

Taking Control of Your Eye Health

Managing glaucoma is a journey; using cannabis for glaucoma relief is one way to take control of your eye health. Stay informed, work with your marijuana doctor, and use cannabis safely. With the right approach, you can protect your vision and enjoy life more fully.

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, and we can help you renew your medical card TODAY! If you qualify for your renewal, give us a call, and we can help!

You need your medical card to access any of Arkansas’ medical dispensaries. Not to worry, because it is now easier than ever to renew your card with Arkansas Marijuana Card!

Telemedicine makes it easy for you to renew your card from the comfort of your own home! Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to get started today!

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Doctors Who Care

Relief You Can Trust

Here at Arkansas Marijuana Card, we aim to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (844)-249-8714 today, or book an appointment here.

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