• DOES DRINKING COFFEE HARM YOUR EYESIGHT?

    1. HomeNewsDOES DRINKING COFFEE HARM YOUR EYESIGHT?
    It’s estimated that more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of 18 consume coffee on a daily basis. Experts have performed numerous studies on the effects of coffee — and, consequently, caffeine — on the human body. As a result, one question that has been raised is, “Is the caffeine in coffee linked to blindness?”

    You might be thinking that’s a silly question to ask, but when you explore the reasons why, it’s actually not such a strange concern.

    It breaks down like this:

    Therefore, it’s reasonable to be concerned about caffeine negatively impacting your eyes.

    So, the question is clear, but the uncertainty of the reality still remains. Here’s what we know about caffeine and its relationship with your eyes:

    ONLY CAFFEINE FROM COFFEE IS LINKED TO GLAUCOMA

    Many foods and beverages contain both naturally occurring amounts of caffeine as well as added caffeine, but according to studies by the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, those who drink three cups of coffee, or more, per day have an increased chance of developing exfoliation glaucoma. Exfoliation glaucoma is a variation of the disease that features white substance gathering over the lense of the eye as well as fluid buildup in the eye that traditionally comes with glaucoma and causes blindness.

    It’s not entirely conclusive, but the combination of coffee and caffeine is shown to be linked to exfoliation glaucoma. Decaffeinated coffee or other caffeine substances are not related at all. That does leave people with one question, should you stop drinking coffee?

    COFFEE IS STILL SAFE TO DRINK IN MODERATION

    Like most commercial substances, when handled in moderation coffee shouldn’t cause any harm. Of course, this varies from individual to individual, as some may not be able to tolerate certain amounts caffeine as well.

    Generally, it’s okay to drink coffee if you stick to no more than two cups per day. In fact, many studies reveal coffee has health benefits.

    Do you have questions about how your habits may be affecting your eyes? Contact Silverstein Eye Centers today at (816) 358-3600 or request your appointment online. We can serve you at our convenient location in Independence/Kansas City.

    Posted November 10, 2015 by Silverstein Eye Centers
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