Yo, what’s good y’all? It’s your boy Dan here, and today we’re gonna talk about some real serious stuff. Did you know that there are over three million adults in the US alone who suffer from Glaucoma? That’s wild, man. It’s considered the second leading cause of blindness and the most common cause of blindness in individuals over 60 years old. Glaucoma is no joke, it’s uncomfortable as hell and can become severely debilitating if left untreated. So listen up, especially if you’re over 50, recognizing the possible signs of this medical condition and acting fast can save your eyesight.
Now, check this out. If you’re already dealing with Glaucoma, I got some good news for you. Marijuana might be able to assist you with some of the frustrating and even painful symptoms you might be experiencing. In this article, we’re gonna cover all the important info about Glaucoma and five powerful marijuana strains that may help patients who suffer from this disease.
So what is Glaucoma anyway? It’s a serious condition that takes place within the eyes, which can eventually lead to blindness in one or both eyes if left unrecognized and untreated. It’s said to be preventable if addressed quickly and efficiently. But often times once the damage has been done from Glaucoma, there is little that can be attempted to reverse it. That’s why it’s so vital to know the signs and watch out if you’re experiencing any of them.
On an anatomical level, what’s happening within the eyeball or eyeballs if one has developed or is developing Glaucoma is primarily damage to the optic nerve. This valuable optic nerve is the part of the eye that is connected to the brain and transmits images from the outside world to the mind. If eye fluid begins to build up within the frontal portion of the eye, such grave pressure can occur that the optic nerve becomes damaged.
There are two primary categorizations for Glaucoma, each type varying slightly from the other. The most common type is known as primary open-angle Glaucoma, which typically forms gradually because the eye naturally isn’t draining fluid as well as it should be, resulting in an over time clogging and buildup of fluids that can damage the important optic nerve if left alone to worsen. The scary thing about this form of Glaucoma is its lack of noticeable symptoms. For example, as this form of Glaucoma is beginning to onset, most likely you will feel no pain and few signs of blindness developing.
The second main form of this medical condition is referred to as angle closure Glaucoma, also known as closed-angle Glaucoma. This type is slightly more serious and less frequent but must be treated immediately; otherwise, it can become too late. Because the drainage angle often does not become fully blocked immediately, an individual could begin developing this form of Glaucoma slowly until suddenly one day they have a serious attack that can cause a downwards spiral of negative results if not addressed right away.
Although sometimes symptoms do arise for individuals developing Glaucoma, more commonly there are no signs of the condition. That’s why having regular eye exams is so immensely important, especially if you have a family history of the disease or have diabetes. Those with a possible predisposition or diabetes should get a new exam conducted every year, and all other individuals every 1-2 years.
Currently, Glaucoma is not preventable but with proper care your vision can be preserved and the condition can be kept under control with treatment. There are three primary forms of conventional medical treatments currently prominent in treating Glaucoma – prescription eye drops, laser surgery and microsurgery.
Prescription eye drops are probably the easiest option and have minimal side effects such as redness, blurry vision or irritation. Laser surgery has few side effects but does require some healing time. Microsurgery requires careful consideration as it has severe side effects such as partial or complete vision loss or infections.
In some cases where patients aren’t satisfied with conventional treatments or experience severe side effects they may begin searching for an alternative treatment option such as medical marijuana consumption.
Although marijuana short term effects are still under scientific research for treating Glaucoma patients, some symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and pain may benefit from cannabis consumption. Some longer lasting oral forms of marijuana consumption can also be tried. Here are five top medical cannabis strains:
• Blue Dream – This hybrid strain offers a sense of calm and relaxation, helping to reduce Glaucoma related stress.
• Blueberry – This heavy indica strain can help induce sleep, providing patients with some much-needed rest and relaxation.
• Granddaddy Purple – This indica dominant strain can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with Glaucoma.
• White Widow – This hybrid strain helps to reduce stress and anxiety while providing a feeling of uplifting euphoria that can help Glaucoma patients stay positive.
• Northern Lights – This indica dominant strain is known for its ability to reduce pain and induce sleep, making it great for Glaucoma patients who need some extra rest.
So there it is, fam. That’s my two cents on Glaucoma and the potential benefits of cannabis consumption. Before you head out, don’t forget to get regular check-ups if you’re feeling any symptoms or have any history of Glaucoma in your family. Be safe out there and stay blazin’!