Retinopathy Protection
A compound found in marijuana may help protect the eyes of diabetics, researchers say.
Early studies indicate cannabidiol works as a consummate multi-tasker to protect the eye from growing a plethora of leaky blood vessels, the hallmark of diabetic retinopathy, said Dr. Gregory I. Liou, molecular biologist.
“We are studying the role of cannabinoid receptors in our body and trying to modulate them so we can defend against diabetic retinopathy,” he said. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults and affects nearly 16 million Americans.
High
glucose levels resulting from unmanaged diabetes set in motion a cascade
ultimately causing the oxygen-deprived retina to grow more blood vessels.
Ironically, the leaky surplus of vessels can ultimately destroy vision.
Dr. Liou, who recently received a $300,000 grant from the American Diabetes Association, wants to intervene earlier in the process, as healthy relationships inside the retina first start to deteriorate.