Should I Stop Drinking Coffee if I Have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve.
It might lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
Over 3 million Americans are estimated to have Glaucoma.
And this number is expected to rise in the coming years.
Multiple factors contribute to the development and progression of Glaucoma.
Some may be related to lifestyle habits such as diet and caffeine consumption.
Read along if you often question yourself, “Should I stop drinking coffee if I have Glaucoma?
How does caffeine work?
Caffeine is the most extensively used psychoactive stimulant.
It is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and many other products.
It impacts the central nervous system and can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness.
Caffeine is also known to increase intraocular pressure (IOP).
Increased eye pressure is a significant risk factor for Glaucoma.
It is regulated by the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, which is a fluid that fills the eye.
Elevated IOP can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Therefore, reducing this pressure is a primary goal in Glaucoma management.
How is drinking coffee related to Glaucoma?
Many studies have investigated the effects of caffeine on IOP and Glaucoma.
Some studies observed that caffeine could increase eye pressure, while others saw no significant effect.
However, the consensus is that caffeine can cause a temporary increase in eye pressure, which may be significant in some individuals.
A study found that caffeine consumption can increase intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle Glaucoma.
Another 2022 study linked habitual coffee drinking to a higher risk of primary open-angle Glaucoma.
Research has also suggested a relationship between heavy coffee consumption and exfoliation Glaucoma.
It is a type of Glaucoma characterized by an abnormal protein accumulation in the eye.
The research also found that people who drank over 3 cups of coffee daily had a significantly higher risk of developing exfoliation Glaucoma than those who abstained.
However, it is vital to note that not all studies have found an association between the two.
A 2020 study discovered no significant relationship between the consumption of coffee and the incidence of Glaucoma.
The study showed higher caffeine intake was linked to both higher IOP and risk of Glaucoma only in people with a genetic risk for high eye pressure.
So, should I stop drinking coffee if I have Glaucoma?
The answer is unclear, as the evidence is mixed.
More research is required to determine the effects of caffeine on Glaucoma.
How much coffee can I drink?
If you suffer from Glaucoma or are at risk of developing it, doctors recommend that you:
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Monitor your IOP regularly
A 2014 review by Bussel et al. recommends that people with Glaucoma limit their caffeine intake to less than three cups of coffee daily.
People with a parent or sibling diagnosed with Glaucoma should consider limiting caffeine to the amount in two cups of coffee a day, says Louis Pasquale, MD.
It is also important to note that caffeine is not the only factor affecting IOP and Glaucoma risk.
Other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can also play a role in the development and progression of Glaucoma.
Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Also read: To maintain a healthy lifestyle and effectively manage your Glaucoma, it’s crucial to be aware of foods that can negatively impact your health. Read Blinded by the Bites: Beware of These 7 Worst Foods for Eye Health to learn more.
Takeaway
Studies about the impact of caffeine on Glaucoma have mixed results.
But we know caffeine temporarily increases intraocular pressure if taken in high quantities.
However, a lot of other factors are responsible for elevated IOP and Glaucoma.
These include your lifestyle choices and genetics,
Doctors suggest that Glaucoma patients limit their caffeine consumption to two cups daily.
They also recommend getting your IOP checked regularly.
Regular monitoring would help in early diagnosis and proper treatment for Glaucoma.
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