Are you suffering from glaucoma and wondering if you would be eligible for Delaware medical marijuana for glaucoma. As you know glaucoma can be particularly debilitating if left untreated. Many people in Delaware are looking for alternatives to treat their glaucoma.

The good news is that as a Delaware resident you can access medical marijuana for glaucoma.  If you suffer from glaucoma and have questions about the possibility of obtaining a Delaware medical marijuana card, the team at Green Relief Health is here to help! Our Patient Care Coordinators can be reached Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 302-564-9994 or by scheduling an appointment here.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that can cause loss of vision. Essentially, glaucoma causes fluid to build up in the front of the eye, which can lead to excessive pressure in the eye and damage to the optic nerve. This damage to the optic nerve can either impair vision or could lead to total vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. In fact, there are more than 60 million diagnoses worldwide. The United States has over 3 million cases of glaucoma alone.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): POAG, the most common form, is a slow progressive disorder that destroys cells in the eyes’ retina and degrades the optic nerve. This type of Glaucoma is typically painless and does not cause vision changes at first.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This form of Glaucoma is when the fluid in your eye – or aqueous—is unable to drain properly due to a narrow or closed drainage canal. This causes eye pressure to quickly rise, also known as an acute attack, which can cause pain, blurred vision, and nausea. Most people with Angle-Closure develop it slowly and the symptoms do not appear until they suffer from an attack.

Everyone is at risk at possible risk for glaucoma from senior citizens to infants. However, the most likely group to develop glaucoma is senior citizens.

Current Glaucoma Treatment Options

Unfortunately, glaucoma is not curable, but it is treatable. The most effective treatment glaucoma requires early detection and intervention. Traditional treatments for glaucoma include the following:

• medication in the form of pills or eyedrops,
• surgery to make a new opening for the fluid to escape
• laser trabeculoplasty to lightly burn and stretch the drainage holes.

Delaware Medical Marijuana For Glaucoma

Delaware medical marijuana is an option for treatment of glaucoma. Medical cannabis is not a cure for glaucoma. However, medical marijuana can help with the symptoms of glaucoma. Though research is not conclusive on the extent of medical cannabis’ effect on glaucoma, some studies show it can reduce inter-ocular pressure for up to four hours. It also may act as a neuroprotectant, which potentially inhibits the advancement of Glaucoma. Patients who are looking to help treat their symptoms from glaucoma should dose themselves every few hours to ensure consistent relief. If you are interested in exploring how it can help, a qualified medical cannabis provider can certainly discuss the overall benefits of medical cannabis.

Other Glaucoma Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma can also include other issues with your body. Glaucoma can cause intense eye pain, anxiety, headaches, blurred vision, severe nausea, and vomiting. Medical cannabis has many properties including pain killing and anti-nausea. 

Medical cannabis is a great alternative if you have tried the traditional glaucoma treatments and you feel as if you need something more. It can help you find relief from your everyday symptoms without bringing on any additional unwanted side-effects.

Our Delaware medical marijuana doctor can discuss in further detail ways to alleviate adverse symptoms with you during your evaluation.

Can I Get A Medical Card For Glaucoma in Delaware?

The good news is that you can get a medical card for glaucoma in Delaware. The state of Delaware has 14 conditions specifically listed in the law and glaucoma is one listed in the law. To qualify for Delaware medical marijuana for glaucoma you will need to be able to document your glaucoma diagnosis.

A patient can document their glaucoma through their medical history. You will need to be able to show that in your medical history you have been seen by a provider for this glaucoma. Inside of your medical history there will be notes that your provider has made to document the existence of glaucoma.

Getting Your Delaware Medical Card For Glaucoma

Once it is determined that you have a proper qualifying condition for a medical card like glaucoma you will need to see a certified medical cannabis doctor in Delaware. This provider will meet with you to go over your medical history and qualifying condition. If the provider finds that you meet the criteria to qualify for a medical card in the state of Delaware, you will then be able to submit your application to the Delaware Office of Medical Marijuana.

After your doctor’s visit there is still one step to go to qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card. You will then need to submit an application to the state of Delaware to verify your residency in the state. In addition, you will sign a form to release your medical information to the state of Delaware which is a part of the approval process. This process can either be done online or through the mail. There is a $50 application fee to submit this application to the state of Delaware, which is important to keep in mind.

How Can Green Relief Health Help?

If you’re curious about whether you may qualify for a Delaware medical marijuana card for glaucoma, reach out to us today! If you’d like to speak with a Green Relief Health team member, you may contact our office Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On our website you can also find a large selection of educational blogs, an FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions, and our own line of hemp-derived CBD that’s recommended by physicians!