ExecutiveChronicles | Is Delta-9 Effective For Glaucoma Patients? |
Introduction
Glaucoma is a disease that can cause blindness. People don’t have glaucoma, but they’re most likely affected by it. To help lessen the discomfort and risk involved with this condition, several different treatments, such as nitric oxide gas laser therapy, are available.
But there is good news for you: we have many new solutions available. One of these solutions is Delta 9 and its effects on glaucoma patients.
So, if you have glaucoma, it is likely that your ophthalmologist has prescribed you Delta-9, which is the most common drug used in the treatment of glaucoma. It is an effective treatment for glaucoma and is as effective as other medications.
The delta-9 is an ocular solution that contains a unique concentration of delta-9-THC and CBD. It has the power to smooth the tear film and produce more tears while also reducing the severity of symptoms like eye redness, itching, and tearing.
In this article, you’ll learn all about Delta-9, glaucoma, and what you should do when you find out that you might have an issue with your eyesight.
What Is Delta-9?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9 THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. It is an active ingredient in marijuana. It is also a potent antiemetic, a synthetic cannabinoid with similar effects to THC but with far less psychoactive properties.
Delta-9’s psychoactive effects are kind of weaker than THC’s, and so some users report finding it more relaxing and enjoyable than smoking marijuana.
This delta -9 tetrahydrocannabinol possesses high affinity and selectivity over CB1 and CB2 receptors. G protein-coupled receptors mediate diverse physiological effects such as antinociception and anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal motility, mood modification, and nausea suppression.
So, delta-9, unlike THC, binds to CB1 receptors in the brain instead of activating them by sending messages out through the body. It results in less euphoria and more pain relief. It is safe to consume. It is considered a medical marijuana strain because of its high CBD content, and many people who are suffering from different ailments have used it. It specifically affects the brain, helping control nausea and pain in cancer patients.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a type of group eye disease. It can cause vision loss or blindness.
The disease affects the nerves and fluid pressure around the eyes (intraocular anxiety). It is caused by an excess buildup of fluid.
Either too much fluid typically causes glaucoma in the front part of the eye (called anterior) or too much liquid in the back of the eye (called posterior). If a person has an overproduction of fluid in their eye, it can prevent light from passing through the pupil to reach the retina at the back of their vision. This condition is called primary open-angle glaucoma.
Secondary open-angle glaucoma can start by damaging the blood vessels that supply blood to the eye. It’s life-threatening because it can lead to blindness if not treated.
Eye exam that shows this is necessary. You can quickly check yourself to see if you have glaucoma. The patient with glaucoma will often complain about eye-tiredness and itchy eyes, with pain when opening the eyes.
How Can Delta-9 Be An Effective Treatment For Glaucoma Patients?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, effectively lowers intraocular pressure.
The anti-inflammatory effects of delta-9 THC significantly reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, while the analgesic and antiemetic properties of delta-9 CBD may help alleviate, i.e., nausea.
However, let’s check out how delta-9 can be an effective treatment for glaucoma:
1. Cannabinoids: Neuroprotective Effects
Glaucoma starts with damage to the optic nerve. This damage leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which causes visual field defects and severe vision loss in affected patients. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants with neuroprotective properties. It got implicated as a treatment for glaucoma due to its effects on IOP, blood vessels, and nerve cells. THC increases blood vessel dilation, which lowers IOP, and reduces the activity of certain enzymes that promote cell death in retinal neurons. These effects may lead to positive changes in the functional capacity of neurons in the retina.
In addition to this, delta 9 THC also blocks dopamine reuptake without activating the D2 receptor, reducing dopamine levels in the brain and having psychoactive effects.
2. Cannabinoids Effects on Intraocular Pressure
Delta-9-THC reduces intraocular pressure by activating the CB1 cannabinoid receptors and subsequently reduces the production of aqueous humor (the fluid in the eye) by inhibiting a proteolytic enzyme called ADH that acts on the trabecular meshwork to open up this membrane. It also modulates vasospasm by decreasing the prostacyclin levels. It starts with increased endothelin levels and nitric oxide levels. It also prevents ciliary muscle contraction and increases its sensitivity to acetylcholine.
Many people use it as a medicine and effectively against glaucoma and specific eye ailments. Its cannabinoids are known to have many positive effects on intraocular pressure, which may potentially reduce the occurrence of glaucoma by stopping or slowing its progression.
3. Cannabinoid Receptors in the Eye
The chemical Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known active ingredient in cannabis. Many people have been using this plant for thousands of years to treat various medical conditions, as we now know as marijuana. You can find the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body but are mainly concentrated in the central and peripheral nervous systems, controlling mood, appetite, memory, and pain perception. The primary function of these receptors is to regulate neural activity by preventing the release of neurotransmitters and chemical messengers into the synapses between nerve cells.
You can use Delta-9 to treat glaucoma and relieve pain and nausea from chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It can be done by smoking or vaping – that’s what most people are using for now.
Conclusion
There are many different types of eye drops that help lower intraocular pressure. Some work better for specific glaucoma patients and others for general relief. However, eye drops also stop the irritation associated with the disease. These can be useful for temporary relief during a flare-up or chronic conditions.
There is no cure for glaucoma, but patients can reduce symptoms through medications like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC). Delta-9 has neuroprotective effects and benefits for visual field defects. The drug helps lower intraocular pressure, which decreases the risk of blindness.
In conclusion, Delta-9 is effective for patients with glaucoma. More studies need to be done on the drug and its side effects to confirm if it will be a viable option for treating the condition in the future.
Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash
