Caffeinated Coffee and Eyes

by Betty
(Philadelphia, PA)

Would one or two cups of caffeinated coffee be okay to have if you have dry macular degeneration?

Betty, I too enjoy my morning cup of coffee and wonder as well if it is the best thing for our eyes.

There is a landmark study called the Beaver Dam Study. It is what is called a prospective cohort study conducted from 1988 to 1995 with an average follow-up of 4.8 years. Without giving all the details here, the results were and I quote:

"Coffee and caffeine consumption were not associated with the 5-year incidence of early age-related maculopathy, soft indistinct drusen, or pigmentary abnormalities."

However, could we be drinking something that is better for our eyes? Absolutely. The two drinks I am starting to substitute for my morning coffee is green tea and bilberry tea.

If you'd like to learn more about how these teas can actually benefit your eyes click here:

Green Tea Antioxidants

Bilberry Tea


Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Comments for
Caffeinated Coffee and Eyes

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Green tea and Coffee
by: Anonymous

Wouldn't the caffeine in green tea be harmful to the eyes.

Decaffeinated tea is not a healthy substitute because of the unhealthy chemicals used in the decaffeinating process.

Sep 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coffee or Tea?
by: by: Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.

There is conflicting information in studies regarding coffee drinking and long-term effects on blood pressure as well as introcular pressure related to glaucoma.

Since research shows that nutritional deficiencies in the retina is a major factor in macular degeneration, anything that effects nutrition availability in the body should be avoided. For example, coffee is a diuretic, causing the Kidneys to release nutrients into the urine more quickly. Some of these nutrients would have otherwise been recycled into the body.

Excessive coffee use over time can also effect the adrenal glands, as coffee artificially causes the adrenals to produce sympathetic stimulating hormones. Over time this can cause adrenal exhaustion (particularly if combined with poor lifestyle habits and/or chronic stress). Adrenal exhaustion would lessen the body's ability to delivery nutrients to the smaller blood vessels throughout the body, of which there are many that feed the eyes.

Coffee can also cause rebound effects on small blood vessels, meaning that coffee causes blood vessels to dilate allowing greater blood flow (which is why coffee can be helpful for migraines). But once the effects of the coffee wear off, there can be somewhat of a rebound effect where the blood vessels constrict, again affecting the consistent delivery of blood, oxygen and nutrient delivery to the eyes.

In Chinese medicine, excessive coffee drinking can delete the body of Jing which is essential core energy (eventually resulting in adrenal exhaustion), as well as cause excessive heat in the body, possibly resulting in such symptoms as insomnia and glaucoma.

In general, I think small amounts of coffee are probably fine (maybe a half a cup a day). I would prefer people with macular degeneration instead drink green tea which contains high amounts of antioxidants and has been shown in studies to lower the risk of heart disease.

Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.

For More information on natural eye care go to:

Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Question


Disclaimer

Copyright 2008 - 2012 WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com

SBI
SBI!