Tips For Using Medical Cannabis To Treat Glaucoma

Medical cannabis is more frequently used today as an alternative treatment for a variety of conditions, including pain management. Cannabis may be effective in treating glaucoma by reducing pressure within the eye.

If you are considering using medical cannabis to treat your glaucoma, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Talk to Your Doctor First

First, it is important to talk to your eye doctor as well as your family doctor. Cannabis can interact with other medications you may be taking for glaucoma. This could cause some harm to other parts of your body, so you first need to make sure using cannabis is safe.

Your doctor may advise that you continue to take your regular glaucoma medication while using cannabis as a supplement, but it's a good idea to ask first.

Ask About Different Strains and Potencies

You can also ask about different strains and potencies of cannabis. Some strains may be more effective in treating glaucoma than others. If you visit a dispensary, you can ask questions about glaucoma-friendly options.

The potency of cannabis is also important to consider. Stronger cannabis may not be necessary and could cause unwanted side effects. You may not want to get the strongest strain simply for the sake of it, as it may not actually lower your eye pressure significantly.

Start Slow

When trying medical cannabis for glaucoma, it is important to start slow. Start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. You can build up your treatment, but you can't quickly diminish the effects.

This is especially true for edibles, which are easy to overdo. Start with a very small amount, such as one-quarter of a regular dose. Wait a couple of hours before the effects kick in, and don't take more until you are certain you're feeling the effects.

Monitor Your Pressure

When using medical cannabis to treat glaucoma, be sure to monitor your intraocular pressure (IOP). If you notice your pressure has increased, stop using cannabis and consult with your doctor.

You can monitor the pressure in your eyes at home with a tonometer. This is a device that measures the pressure inside your eyes. Only some tonometers can be used at home, however. Your regular appointments with a doctor are still important.

Medical Cannabis Can Be a Helpful Option

Medical cannabis may be a helpful option for some people with glaucoma. Talk to your doctor to see if it could be an option for you. You may be able to get a medical card that could help save your vision.

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