Can CBD improve eyesight and eye health?
Eyes on the other track
In the Czech Republic, about a third of people wear dioptric glasses or contact lenses, but worldwide, more than 60% of the population suffers from eye defects such as cataracts, problems with spatial orientation, astigmatism or presbyopia (the so-called old-age strabismus, a manifestation of degeneration of the lens material). However, a significant proportion of patients avoid treatment and only see a doctor when there is no longer any choice. This is a paradox, because loss of vision or reduced ability to see is a serious complication that turns life upside down. The eye is naturally protected by its location in the orbit, but a large part of the quality of vision is the person himself. Eye hygiene is absolutely essential and a healthy lifestyle, plenty of rest and simple exercises can delay complications.
Simple tricks for better eyesight
- Healthy diet (leafy greens, eggs, dairy, citrus, fish and anything with vitamin A)
- Eye stretching (blinking, rolling, side to side)
- Gentle massage (gently circle the center of the eyelid with the pads of your fingers)
- Getting enough sleep (eight hours of rest and two hours before bed without blue light)
- Reading exercise (need to keep a distance of at least 30 centimeters)
- Good quality glasses (sunglasses and dioptric glasses with an anti-reflective coating)
- Regular moisturizing (drops, minimal time in an air-conditioned environment)
Research, sight and cannabis
THC is the most frequently mentioned in relation to vision. The Journal of Glaucoma published a study in 2006 in which patients were given tetrahydrocannabinol, 20 mg CBD, 40 mg CBD and a placebo. The lower dose of cannabidiol produced no change, but the higher dose slightly increased (by 18%) intraocular pressure, which may have accelerated cataract progression. This was later repeatedly confirmed in mice. It is even thought that, based on the results of similar studies, an increase in intraocular pressure will start to be reported as a side (negative) effect of CBD use.
The positive result was associated only with THC. However, the improvement (28% reduction in pressure) was temporary and disappeared after about four hours, as did the other effects. Moreover, in the Czech Republic, products with a THC content above 1 % (in many neighboring countries the standard limit is 0,3 %) are illegal.
There is no study that confirms a direct effect of CBD on eye problems. However, cannabidiol can take full advantage of its abilities to relieve pain and inflammation.
A 2016 Canadian study in monkeys focused on the endocannabinoid system, specifically its effect on the eyes and vision. Endocannabinoids bound to CB1 and CB2 receptors can slightly improve vision and protect the retina, regulate arterial tone (pressure), and counteract the development of retinopathy (a serious disease of the blood vessels of the retina where lack of nutrients and oxygen causes swelling and, in extreme cases, complete blindness).
CBD is a powerful antioxidant and can protect the eyes and slow down age-related macular degeneration (a disease that causes yellow spots and leads to vision loss).
Cannabidiol doesn't directly act on eye diseases or maintain good vision, but it can target and control associated complications such as pain or inflammation. By not having the body expend additional energy to fight them, treatment and subsequent healing is easier and faster.
The ideal form of CBD
For skin problems use topical preparations, for aversion to the taste of CBD drops capsules. For eye disease, topical use is taboo. The oil would not penetrate the barrier of the cornea and sclera. Two to three drops under the tongue will be absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately and will begin to work in the body as a preventative and on any areas that show pain, tension, pressure or impaired function.
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