Glaucoma Q&A

If you don’t properly manage glaucoma, you may be at increased risk for permanent vision loss. At Medical Marijuana Doctors of Louisiana, Peter Candelora, MD, offers comprehensive health evaluations that meet the requirements of Louisiana’s medical marijuana program. Dr. Candelora can determine if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana to relieve pressure on your optic nerve. Call the office in Metairie, Louisiana, to schedule a medical marijuana evaluation for glaucoma or book an appointment online today.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions resulting from damage to the optic nerve. These conditions can develop due to a build-up of fluids in the eye, which presses on the nerve and ultimately damages it.

Your risk for developing glaucoma increases with a family history of the disease. Other risk factors can include:

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Thin corneas
• High blood pressure
• History of eye injuries or surgery

If left unmanaged, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Traditional treatments for glaucoma include eye drops or medications that help drain excess fluids from inside your eye. You may also need surgery to remove blockages that prevent fluids from leaving your eye.

Some people may qualify for medical marijuana to manage eye pressure and prevent the damage glaucoma can cause.

How does medical marijuana treat glaucoma?

The marijuana Dr. Candelora prescribes to treat medical conditions like glaucoma come from dried leaves and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Within the plant are active ingredients known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids further break down into the chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

When you smoke, vape, or consume THC, the chemical produces a high sensation that can make you feel disoriented and relaxed. CBD doesn’t make you feel high but offers anti-inflammatory benefits to treat medical conditions. 

Topical administration of medical marijuana isn’t effective for treating glaucoma, but inhaling or consuming THC can lower the pressure in your eye for several hours.

How do I qualify for medical marijuana to treat glaucoma?

To qualify for the medical marijuana program in Louisiana, Dr. Candelora provides comprehensive physical exams in-office. He can determine if medical marijuana is a treatment option for glaucoma by assessing the severity of your condition.

If medical marijuana is right for you, Dr. Candelora sends a prescription to one of the dispensaries in Louisiana for you to pick up. He customizes the delivery method and dosage based on your needs.

To comply with the state laws of Louisiana, your medical marijuana prescription must be for non-raw and non-smokable forms, such as: 

• Oils
• Sprays
• Lotions
• Extracts
• Tinctures
• Solutions
• Suspension
• Chewables
• Suppositories
• Skin patches
• Metered-dose inhalers

Capsules and pills are also available to treat glaucoma.

To find out if you’re a candidate for medical marijuana to treat glaucoma, call Medical Marijuana Doctors of Louisiana or book an appointment online today.