CBD interacts with serotonin receptors to produce a mood-boosting effect and has also been demonstrated to improve sleep patterns, decrease PTSD symptoms, and block fear memories.

CBD may help relieve pain associated with rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia, as well as reduce itching for patients suffering from skin conditions. Furthermore, CBD has potential to decrease inflammation associated with wet age-related macular degeneration; thus potentially decreasing eye pressure.

Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is a primary contributor to macular degeneration. According to an AREDS study, those with the highest CRP levels were at 65-75% higher risk for macular degeneration than those in the lowest quartile. Anti-inflammatory measures can include adopting a low glycemic diet, wearing UV blocking sunglasses when outdoors and not smoking while supplementing with Omega-3 fish oil or Neptune Krill oil products.

Studies have demonstrated CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties for eye care. CBD may improve overall eye health by acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell signalling network which regulates dopamine, serotonin, glutamate norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine production – all vital substances needed for healthy vision.

ECS activity is closely tied to vascular endothelial cells, which form part of the blood-retinal barrier and control vascular permeability. A dysfunction in retinal vascular permeability can be an early indicator of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. CBD has been found to decrease retinal vascular permeability while encouraging capillary formation through activation of multiple signaling cascades including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, RhoA, and ZEB1.

At the same time, these substances also help protect neurons of the optic nerve by activating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and suppressing ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Furthermore, this therapy increases production of nitric oxide which has potency vasodilatory effects to decrease eye blood pressure.

This drug may help those living with dry eye disease. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy by decreasing symptoms and improving visual acuity for mild to moderate cases, as well as decreasing tear film osmolarity while providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

New research demonstrates that continuous subcutaneous infusion of levodopa/foscarbidopa improved motor symptoms more significantly in Parkinson’s patients compared with oral therapy, as well as offering improved safety profiles and better patient acceptance.

Myopia can lead to retinal holes and tears that, left untreated, become gateways for fluid to move under the retina and cause detachment. Barrier laser treatments around retinal breaks have proven extremely successful at decreasing risk. A recent randomized trial demonstrated that Pradaxa (dabigatran) did not increase mortality or cardiovascular events when compared with warfarin (Coumadin), prompting some experts to reconsider whether screening should occur for atrial fibrillation in US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.

Antioxidant

The macula of the retina provides sharp and detailed central vision needed for driving, reading and recognising facial features. It records images that travel through its optic nerve to reach the brain; when its health or integrity become impaired by age or injury it can lead to blurred or distorted vision that makes life challenging for drivers, readers and facial feature recognizers alike.

At its later stages, macular degeneration causes new blood vessels to form beneath the retina and alter its structure, leading to wet AMD (wet age-related macular degeneration) which may cause severe, irreversible vision loss. There are a few lifestyle measures which may slow its progress such as quitting smoking, eating well-balanced diet and wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

CBD has been shown to possess antioxidant properties. One study investigated how the combination of CBD and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) increased glutathione production while decreasing prooxidant enzyme activity, as well as being effective mucolytics that loosen mucus from respiratory tract, making NAC useful in conditions like chronic bronchitis or asthma.

CBD may also prove useful as an anti-glycating agent. Glycation is a process by which proteins become damaged, leading to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Advanced AGEs can damage eyes by damaging lenses and blocking nutrients necessary for normal eye function. While oral supplements of certain nutrients have proven successful at decreasing glycation in the body, topical eye drops provide these essential nutrients directly into eyes for faster healing.

Anti-Seizure

Studies have demonstrated that CBD may help protect nerve cells from damage and oxidative stress, potentially decreasing risk for neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, CBD has been proven to provide anti-seizure effects and is currently being explored as a potential therapy option in treating epilepsy in those suffering with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

CBD has been shown to ease the symptoms of glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and improving blood flow to the optic nerve. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties could possibly lessen inflammation within the eye as well as potentially slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by decreasing retinal cell proliferation and preventing vascular leakage.

One study demonstrated that CBD and CP-953590 could block activation of NMDA receptors in microvascular endothelial cells (mRMVEC). Furthermore, they reduced protein expression of vimentin, RhoA and Zeb1 with statistical significance; results that may lead to therapeutic applications in treating glaucoma and other eye conditions as well as angiogenesis.

The natural endocannabinoid system (NES) is a sophisticated cell-signalling network that controls and balances many processes in our bodies, including eye function. NES comprises naturally occurring compounds called endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Pharmacists should take this NES into consideration when counseling patients on safe eye products.

Macular degeneration is one of the most widespread ocular conditions, characterised by gradual vision loss due to changes in the macula that results in distortion and blurriness of central vision. Signs may include using an Amsler grid or looking out for straight line distortion and/or decreased central vision; left untreated it can lead to permanent vision loss; one recent advancement is anti-VEGF injections which may stabilize macular degeneration and, potentially, improve vision in some instances.

Dry age-related macular degeneration (DRAMD) can be effectively reduced through lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking and eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables as well as wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors. Additional lighting and magnification may also prove useful. Should it progress into wet AMD, laser treatment could help stop further worsening and vision loss.

Neuroprotective

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an intricate cell signaling network which regulates many body processes. Comprised of cannabinoids such as Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl Glycerol (2-AG), pharmacists should take note when prescribing CBD products to patients, said Fixen, noting the benefits could include supporting cognitive function, providing energy and protecting against oxidative stress.

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in animal studies, helping slow macular degeneration progression. Inflammation is one of the primary risk factors associated with wet AMD. The AREDS study revealed that those with higher c-reactive protein levels had a 64% increased chance of wet AMD than those in the lowest one-quarter. Inflammation occurs as the result of leakage from blood vessels in the central retina and can lead to macular oedema, leading to blurry central vision. Treatment options include intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in order to stabilize or even improve vision. Lifestyle measures can also aid in slowing the progression of late macular degeneration. This includes quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet containing lots of green leafy vegetables and wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outside. Supplementing with vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc can also decrease your risk for wet AMD.

People suffering from myopia, or nearsightedness, typically have thinner retinas than those without it, which increases their risk for retinal tears and holes that could potentially become irreparable without treatment. Retinal laser therapy may be used in clinic settings to treat high-risk retinal breaks in order to lower detachment risks and preserve vision loss risks.

Studies on mice have recently demonstrated how CBD may prevent wet AMD by modulating inflammation responses and decreasing breakdown of cell structures and formation of new blood vessels, thus suggesting it as potential treatment for macular degeneration; more research needs to be completed in this regard; additionally, clinical trials with CBD patches for dry eye disease have also shown promising results.