Cutting back on caffeine can help prevent serious eye diseases and vision loss, according to research by Harvard University scientists. They found that people who regularly drink coffee are more likely to develop vision problems.
Caffeine is a stimulant found in foods and drinks like tea, chocolate, colas, and coffee. If you live a healthy lifestyle and reduce your caffeine intake, you’re less likely to experience negative health effects. While caffeine doesn’t directly cause eye diseases, it can increase the risk of developing them.
**Eye Pressure Increase**
Studies have shown that drinking a lot of caffeine quickly can raise your eye pressure for up to three hours. High eye pressure is often linked to glaucoma, an eye condition that can damage the optic nerves and lead to vision loss. Because of this, doctors often advise patients with a family history of eye diseases to limit their caffeine consumption. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor how much caffeine is safe for you to consume each day.
In the study, researchers compared the medical records of participants to identify cases of exfoliation glaucoma, a condition that increases eye pressure and damages the optic nerves. Exfoliation glaucoma occurs when whitish material builds up on the lens of the eye, blocking fluid from draining properly.
**Eyelid Twitching**
Too much caffeine can also cause your eyelids to twitch due to muscle spasms. Although these twitches usually aren’t painful and don’t happen often, some people experience frequent twitching that can last for weeks. Cutting back on caffeine can help reduce these twitches. However, if the twitching continues, it could be a sign of another underlying issue, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
The study found that regular coffee drinkers are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.
Despite these findings, many doctors still acknowledge the benefits of drinking coffee. It’s known to lower the risk of certain skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma, and can reduce the chances of developing heart-related issues. However, it’s always important to consult your doctor about your caffeine consumption to avoid eye problems.