The study, The Relation between Caffeine and Coffee Consumption and Exfoliation Glaucoma or Glaucoma Suspect: A Prospective Study in Two Cohorts, was reported in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. It is the first to examine the link between caffeinated coffee and exfoliation glaucoma in a U.S. based population.
The study looked at approximately 220,000 people who were at least 40 years of age, did not have glaucoma and reported previous eye examinations. Questionnaires were used to obtain and validate the consumption of beverages containing caffeine and medical records reviewed to determine incident cases of exfoliation glaucoma, which contributes to elevated pressure sufficient enough to damage the optic nerve, or exfoliation glaucoma suspect that have milder or only suspect optic nerve damage.
Meta-analysis showed that, compared to abstainers, participants who drank three cups or more of caffeinated coffee daily were at an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma or glaucoma suspect. The researchers did not find associations with consumption of other caffeinated products, such as soda, tea, chocolate or decaffeinated coffee. The results showed women with a family history of glaucoma were at an increased risk.
