Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a common cause of blindness in older adults. This condition involves the deterioration of the retina, with the risk significantly increasing as people age. The chance of developing AMD rises after middle age, impacting nearly 1 in 12 individuals aged 45 to 85 worldwide.
Traditional treatments, such as injectable medications and supplements, do not restore vision but aim to slow down its decline. Researchers are currently investigating new therapies for AMD, with increasing interest in cannabis-derived products from Haute Health Canada gaining popularity.
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Key Takeaways:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration is the leading type of blindness in individuals aged 45 to 85.
- Patients who smoke cannabis more than 100 times lower the risk of developing AMD.
- THC and CBD help reduce intraocular pressure, manage inflammation, and mitigate vision loss.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration causes blurriness in central vision due to damage to the macula, which is responsible for sharp vision and is part of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the eye.
AMD primarily affects central vision. While it does not result in total blindness, it can obstruct reading and facial recognition. There are two main types of AMD:
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Also referred to as “atrophic AMD,” this is the more prevalent type. It occurs due to thinning of the macula as people age and progresses gradually through three stages:
- Early
- Intermediate
- Late
Although there is no treatment for late-stage dry AMD, patients can maximize their remaining vision and protect the unaffected eye if necessary.
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This form, known as “advanced neovascular AMD,” is less common but leads to quicker vision loss. It occurs in the late stage and is characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the eye, damaging the macula. Fortunately, various treatment options exist for wet AMD.
What Are the Symptoms of AMD?
- Early dry AMD typically shows no symptoms.
- Some individuals may not exhibit symptoms of intermediate dry AMD, while others may experience slight blurriness or trouble seeing in low light.
- Late AMD (wet or dry) often causes straight lines to appear wavy or distorted. Patients may notice a blurry spot in their central vision that may expand over time. Colors may appear duller, and seeing in low light may become increasingly difficult.
- Wavy lines are a warning sign for late AMD. If you notice this symptom, consult your eye doctor without delay.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Canada
Approximately 2.5 million Canadians suffer from AMD, with nearly 180,000 experiencing vision loss. Researchers surveyed 337 individuals from January to June 2020 to examine this issue.
The survey findings are as follows:
Smoking Marijuana Flowers For AMD: A Study
Two researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank to determine if smoking cannabis can aid AMD.
They discovered that individuals who used marijuana over 100 times had a reduced risk of AMD compared to those who never used it. Regular use of cannabis leads to a lower risk of AMD compared to infrequent use. Additionally, those who consumed cannabis more than 100 times were significantly younger (by eight years) at the onset of AMD compared to non-users.
Drusen accumulate in Bruch’s membrane, blocking the passage between the retinal pigment epithelium and the blood vessels, triggering an inflammatory response. Genetic factors and smoking can accelerate this process. Cannabis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially slowing this inflammatory cascade.
How Top-Quality cannabis Products Protect Your Eyes
Research published in Pharmacology & Therapeutics indicates that THC may help lower intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.
CBD could enhance vision clarity by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This mechanism effectively slows the damage caused by abnormal blood vessels, thereby reducing vision loss progression. A study involving mice focused on cancer research revealed that CBD diminished the expression of various genes linked to the VEGF pathway.
Cannabinoids may also alleviate symptoms associated with macular diseases due to their ability to inhibit blood vessel growth, provide neuroprotection, and lower ocular pressure.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cannabis can help manage inflammation. Cannabidiol, in particular, shows promise in alleviating inflammation in glaucoma and AMD patients.
AMD Patients Can Buy cannabis Online Through Haute Health Canada for Quality cannabis Products
Patients with AMD can order cannabis online, as these online stores provide a wide range of cannabis options. The best marijuana dispensary in Canada will offer high-quality cannabis products, including strains, concentrates, and edibles.
Purchasing cannabis online is straightforward, as most stores feature user-friendly websites and secure checkout processes. An online cannabis store prioritizes customer satisfaction by ensuring top-quality products at competitive prices, complete with shipping insurance for added peace of mind.
Conclusion
Cannabis can assist AMD patients in alleviating symptoms and slowing vision loss progression. The compounds reduce pain by managing inflammation and serve as neuroprotective agents against further degeneration. Recent surveys suggest that regular cannabis use during the early stages shows promising results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cannabis product is best to manage the symptoms of AMD?
When buying cannabis online in Canada, you will find a diverse range of products, including cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates. Each product contains necessary cannabinoids to manage symptoms effectively. It’s crucial to remember that each product has a different onset time. For quick relief, options such as dabbing, vaping, or smoking flower or concentrates are ideal.
Both CBD and THC provide options to inhibit or reduce vision loss. Products containing both cannabinoids, such as 1:1 THC: CBD edibles, are available. You can also find products featuring only one cannabinoid, either THC or CBD. Choosing THC entails experiencing the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD does not have such effects.
Do I get a discount if I buy cannabis online Canada for medical purposes?
If you hold a medical marijuana card, you are eligible for discounts at medical marijuana dispensaries. Discounts at recreational dispensaries may vary by establishment and can include free shipping, bulk purchase discounts, first-order perks, and more.
Affiliations:
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Severn Health Solutions, Severna Park, Maryland, USA