“Researchers reporting in the
journal Clinical Ophthalmology identified
that caffeine found in coffee really
has no effect on people with glaucoma in terms are elevating their intraocular
pressure (IOP). Rather, it is believed that other byproducts of coffee beans
being roasted at high temperature may actually cause eye pressure to rise after
drinking coffee or tea,” shared Fall River Ophthalmologist Gregory Hofeldt,
M.D. of Center for Sight. “Coffee has been suggested
to increase intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with Open Angle Glaucoma and
Ocular Hypertension. Generally this was thought to be due to the caffeine
content,” further explained Dr. Hofeldt.
The
researchers conducted a study whereby pure caffeine was applied directly to the
eyes of patients with glaucoma. The results showed no increase and really no
effect on intraocular pressure in both a 1-day study as well as a repeated
application 1-week study. Also, there was no cumulative effect. They concluded
that caffeine has no significant effect on IOP in patients with glaucoma and
that any eye pressure elevation reported in coffee drinkers may be related to
other constituents in coffee that are known to be generated by thermal
degradation caused in the coffee beans by roasting at relatively high temperature.
If
you or someone you know has a question about eye pressure, glaucoma, coffee and
the effect of caffeine, please feel free
to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406 Fall River,
Massachusetts 02720 at 508-730-2020 for patients wishing to learn more about LASIK in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
