CBD for vision health is a bit of an enigma. So let’s clear out all the misinformation today. The human eye is a sensory organ that reacts to light, allowing people to see. Many eye conditions can lead to vision complications. Some eye problems are minor and may go away on their own or are easily treatable. However, some eye disorders and diseases are more serious and can lead to blindness. The eye is very complex and contains various tissues and structures that work together to provide vision. Many types of eye disorders and diseases can affect vision and may lead to blindness.
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How does CBD affect the Eyes?
Several studies have shown that CBD does have anti-inflammatory effects on the eyes. There are several medical conditions eye doctors commonly treat that cause inflammation including these:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Allergies
- Meibomian gland disease
CBD can be used to protect nerves from damage and relieve neuropathic pain, possibly making it a useful choice for patients with optic neuritis, glaucoma and other types of eye disorders that are associated with the optic nerve.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of related eye conditions involving damage to the retina and optic nerve that may lead to vision loss, mainly because of high fluid pressure inside of the eyes.Â
CBD & Glaucoma
- Cannabis has long been associated with relieving glaucoma symptoms. Patients suffering from it typically experience high levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). Too much extra fluid pressure damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss and blindness.
- CBD may protect against cell damage, but studies have indicated that the chemical has no influence on IOP levels. Other studies have shown that
CBD actually increases IOP levels making higher risks for glaucoma and pain associated with it. When and if the pressure in the eye becomes so severe, it starts to damage the optic nerve leading to gradual loss of vision.
What does CBD do for the Eyes?
In addition to increasing IOP levels and having effects on inflammation and nerves, CBD has also been seen to affect the level of activity of both oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidants can be reactive to other cellular molecules and cause various diseases, including macular degeneration.
CBD and its antioxidant qualities can help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. However certain antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables are used for preventing or reducing the risk of macular degeneration. CBD may also have the potential to be an antibacterial compound. Antibiotics are slowly becoming resistant to bacteria; hence the nature of CBD could possibly be an alternative way for future remedies. This would be beneficial for eye diseases that result in the growth of bacteria, including conjunctivitis etc.
Facts on causes and symptoms of CBD with relation to eyes
There is ongoing research on its effects but so far CBD does not appear to cause any problems with healthy eyes. CBD can increase the symptoms and risk for people who suffer from glaucoma. In severe cases of glaucoma, the increased pressure damages the optic nerve and leads to blindness. However, there is no proof for CBD to cause glaucoma on its own.
Out of CBD and THC, it is the THC present in cannabis that causes red and watery eyes but it does not stand the same for CBD. CBD is not a good treatment for dry and irritated eyes. Instead, eye drops are used along with other lubricating agents to treat the dryness in the eyes. So in a sense, CBD cannot improve the quality of a person’s vision. That can be achieved by external factors like glasses or lenses but at the same time taking some vitamins and antioxidants can enhance and support the overall health of the eye and hence the vision.
 When people have consumed cannabis they often experience a temporary heaviness around their eyes. The predictable image of a stoner is supposedly a chilled-out individual with bloodshot and heavy puffy eyes but as we have come to understand the positive effects of cannabis more clearly now, the world has started to challenge this stereotype.
The CBD compound from cannabis is not the cause of red eyes. In fact, CBD reacts in a subtle, non-intoxicating way. The beauty of this compound is that it essentially gets the whole body back to its optimum, enabling it to produce and regulate the flow of natural chemicals to ensure the body is at its physiological best.
Heavy eyes are most likely to be the result of ingesting marijuana that contains very little CBD but a lot of THC. THC is the intoxicating element that causes the consumers to feel high. THC also lowers blood pressure which in turn increases blood circulation to the eyes. This very effect can cause redness and sensitivity to light, which often results in the eyelids of users being more heavy than usual.
As cannabis usage causes feelings of relaxation with these intoxicating varieties it becomes all the more visible through the eyes. There are more obvious signs although the plant does not affect the appearance of the eyes directly apart from the contribution to relaxation.
