Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if left unchecked.

While it can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and age, recent studies have shown a surprising link between glaucoma and drinking certain beverages.

Coffee

A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that drinking just one cup of caffeinated coffee a day was associated with a 5% increased risk of developing glaucoma.

This risk increased to 6% when consuming two to three cups of coffee daily. Interestingly, the same study found that drinking decaffeinated coffee did not appear to have the same effect.

While the study does not prove that coffee drinking causes glaucoma, it does suggest a potential link. It’s thought that caffeine may decrease blood flow to the eye, leading to damage to the optic nerve over time.

Soda

Another surprising beverage that has been linked to glaucoma is soda.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Glaucoma found that people who consumed more than one serving of soda per day had a 20% increased risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who drank less than one serving per month.

The researchers believe that the high levels of sugar in soda, as well as the artificial sweeteners found in diet soda, may play a role in the increased risk.

Both sugar and artificial sweeteners have been linked to inflammation in the body, and chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of glaucoma.

Alcohol

While moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, it may not be beneficial for eye health.

A 2016 study published in Ophthalmology found that people who drank alcohol at least once a week had an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Heavier alcohol consumption was associated with an even higher risk, with people who drank more than 10 alcoholic drinks per week having a 67% increased risk of glaucoma compared to those who drank less than one drink per week.

The exact reason behind the link between alcohol and glaucoma is not yet clear, but it’s thought that alcohol may damage the optic nerve directly or through oxidative stress.

Tea

While coffee may be linked to an increased risk of glaucoma, tea may have the opposite effect.

A 2017 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that people who drank at least one cup of hot tea per day were 74% less likely to develop glaucoma than those who didn’t.

The researchers believe that the antioxidants found in tea may play a protective role against glaucoma by reducing oxidative stress in the eye.

Water

Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health, and it may also have a protective effect on eye health.

A 2018 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that people who drank at least 10 cups of water per day had a lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who drank less than 5 cups per day.

The study’s authors believe that this protective effect may be due to increased hydration, which may help prevent damage to the optic nerve.

Conclusion

While the link between glaucoma and certain beverages may be surprising, it’s important to remember that these studies only suggest a potential association.

More research is needed to confirm whether drinking these beverages actually causes glaucoma, or if there are other underlying factors that may be at play.

Regardless, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for overall health and may also help protect against eye diseases like glaucoma.