New research is suggesting a significant connection between drinking instant coffee and a higher chance of getting age-related eye disorder. Instant coffee may seem like a great way to start your day if you are in a hurry, however, a study has pointed out a major health consequence of drinking it. Published in the Food Science & Nutrition journal, this study showed that instant coffee could increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Think of AMD as a common eye disease that can hurt your central vision and may even cause permanent blindness, especially for people over the age of 50. Scientists did a study to look closely at how different types of coffee, ground, decaf, and instant, affect eye health. What they found was surprising. Earlier studies had actually hinted that coffee might be helpful for your eyes, possibly lowering the risk of AMD. However, this new research found the opposite was true for one type: They discovered that only drinking instant coffee was clearly and strongly linked to an increased risk of getting dry AMD. In short, the study concluded that instant coffee "significantly increases the risk of AMD." What is Macular Degeneration (AMD)? The macula is a small spot right in the center of your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye). It's crucial because it gives you your central vision, which you use for reading and seeing fine details. There are two main types of AMD: Dry AMD This is the most common type. It happens when tiny yellow protein deposits form under your macula, slowly making your central vision blurry. Wet AMD This is less common but more serious. It happens when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid and blood, causing quick damage. You are more likely to develop AMD if you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or if someone in your immediate family has the disease. How Does Instant Coffee Affect Eye Sight? Since ground and decaf coffee didn't show this same risk, the researchers believe the difference has something to do with how instant coffee is made. They suggest that the manufacturing process, which is different from brewing regular coffee, might be creating certain "potentially harmful substances" or involves additives that are not present in other types of coffee. Because of these findings, the researchers give a clear warning: if you are already at high risk for AMD, it's a good idea to avoid drinking instant coffee. How Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated? The National Health Services UK explain that there is no cure for AMD right now. However, there are treatments and support available to help slow down vision loss and ensure you can maintain the best possible quality of life. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of AMD you have, wet or dry. You will work with eye doctors, such as an optometrist, who checks eyes and an ophthalmologist who treats eye diseases. Treatments for Wet AMD Wet AMD happens when abnormal, fragile blood vessels start leaking fluid and damaging the eye. The main goal of treatment is to stop these leaks. Doctors use eye injections (called anti-VEGF) of medicine directly into the eye to block the growth of the bad blood vessels, or sometimes use light treatment to destroy them. Treatments for Dry AMD Unfortunately, there's currently no medical cure to reverse or stop dry AMD with medicine or surgery. Treatment focuses on supporting your remaining vision. Specialists offer low vision help by teaching you to use tools like bright lights and magnifiers. They also recommend lifestyle changes like specific diets and habits to protect your eye health.
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