CBD for Eye Infections: Potential Treatment or Risk?
The eyes are susceptible to various types of eye infections and conditions that may worsen with age. Eye infections are often treatable or may clear up on their own if mild. Patients are wondering if CBD for conjunctivitis or other serious eye conditions may be a viable treatment option to reduce redness and get relief from painful symptoms.
Types of Eye Infections
Eye infections may be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria. Treatment plans are dependent on the cause of the infection. Here are common eye infections:
• Conjunctivitis – This widely seen infection, also known as pink eye, happens when the blood vessels in the eyeball become infected. It can be viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis.
• Keratitis – The eye’s cornea is infected with keratitis. The best treatment course is prescription eye drops.
• Sty – A sty appears when an oil gland on the eyelid gets inflamed and infected. A warm compress or antibiotic ointment may help it clear away.
Eye Infection Symptoms
Other types of eye infections that aren’t as common include endophthalmitis, blepharitis, cellulitis, uveitis or herpes. The symptoms of an eye infection may be redness, irritation, discharge, itchiness, pain or blurry vision. Sometimes, a sore eye may be a sign of another type of illness, such as COVID-19.
CBD Treatment
The possibility of using CBD oil to treat eye infection symptoms has been briefly studied. According to some studies, CBD oil taken orally may result in increased intraocular pressure in the eye. Higher pressure in the eye is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma. While researchers didn’t see a pressure increase in smaller doses of CBD oil, there was no benefit of CBD oil treatment on the eyes. For patients with eye infection symptoms, CBD oil may not provide relief or advantages.
The best thing to do if you have irritation, redness or inflammation in your eyes is to talk to your physician. Your doctor can give you advice about how to reduce the symptoms and treat an eye infection.
