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This Coffee Swap Could Help Protect Your Eyes as You Age

If you love waking up with a morning java, you're familiar with the quick energy boost you get from consuming caffeine. But enjoying a regular cup of joe can do more than just perk you up: A new study suggests coffee can affect your vision too. Here we break down what the study reveals about the popular drink and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—including the simple swap that might help ward off vision loss as we age. As we get older, the likelihood of developing eye diseases increases. One condition in particular to be aware of is dry age-related macular degeneration. 'Dry age-related macular degeneration is a condition that happens as you age and can lead to vision loss [especially in your central vision] or blindness,' explains Hunter Cherwek, MD, Ophthalmologist & VP of Clinical Services and Technologies at Orbis International. This is opposed to wet AMD, which is a more severe and less common form of the eye condition. 'The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina (the back of the eye) and is responsible for crisp, clear vision,' Dr. Cherwek says. 'Dry AMD is the most common form of the condition and occurs when a film grows on the retina, which causes vision distortions' or blurred vision. (See more AMD symptoms to watch for here.) If you've never had vision problems or don't have a genetic predisposition forAMD, you may be wondering how relevant the condition could be to you. But it's more common than you may realize. 'This is an incredibly important topic for everyone because it is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness around the world in people over the age of 60,' says Dr. Cherwek. If you have a particularly busy schedule, you may find yourself reaching for instant coffee more often than not. But when it comes to this type of brew, new research suggests it may be wise to pay attention to how much you consume in order to protect your eye health. In a new Food Science & Nutrition study, researchers found that consumption of instant coffee was associated with a nearly seven-fold increased risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration. Ground coffee and decaf coffee did not show the same association in the study. So what is it about instant coffee in particular that could affect your vision? Meenal Agarwal, OD, a board-certified optometrist and leading authority on the eye-brain connection at Dr. Meenal Agarwal & Associates, says its processing could play a role. 'Instant coffee undergoes more intense processing, often at higher temperatures, which can produce harmful byproducts like acrylamide, a compound linked to oxidative stress and inflammation,' says Dr. Agarwal. 'These processes strip away some beneficial compounds found in brewed coffee, possibly harming tissues like the retina.' If you love instant coffee, you may not need to toss out your stash just yet. 'It's early to recommend avoiding instant coffee altogether based solely on this study,' says Dr. Agarwal, who cautions that more research is still needed. However, experts agree that if you're prone to developing AMD due to family history or other risk factors (such as being over age 50, smoking or having high blood pressure), simply replacing instant coffee with ground coffee could be a smart move. 'If you have a family history of macular degeneration, it might be worth considering switching from instant coffee to brewed coffee, but I encourage you to bring this up with an eye doctor who is familiar with your case and can give you more specific recommendations,' says Dr. Cherwek. Dr. Agarwal had the same advice for those who may be more likely to develop AMD. 'It's smart to minimize potential risks. I'd recommend limiting instant coffee, especially daily use, and opting for brewed or decaf versions,' says Dr. Agarwal. 'You don't need to give up coffee altogether, but it's worth being mindful about your choices and making positive lifestyle changes.' In addition to changing how you brew your daily cup of coffee, experts suggest other helpful strategies to help ward off AMD and protect your vision. 'The most important step someone can take is to stop smoking—it's extremely damaging to eye health and significantly increases the likelihood of developing AMD,' says Dr. Cherwek. (Discover more macular degeneration self-care tips here.) Although diet and weight may not seem directly related to eye health, they're important to consider. 'In addition, maintaining a healthy diet and managing your weight are essential,' says Dr. Cherwek. 'AMD was one of the first retinal diseases where dietary changes were shown to help prevent vision loss. Today, we have a strong body of evidence showing that lifestyle factors like diet and weight management play a critical role in lowering the risk of this disease.' Dr. Agarwal also recommends the following for lowering AMD risk: Annual eye exams A diet rich in leafy greens Omega-3s Colorful fruits Wearing 100% UVA/UVB protection or UV400 sunglasses Regular exercise Considering an eye supplement (your eye doctor can recommend specific ones) Keep scrolling for more eye health stories! Castor Oil for Dry Eyes Relieved One Woman's Discomfort When Nothing Else Worked Can Your Vision Predict Your Dementia Risk? Research Suggests It Can Burning Eyes? 3 Common Causes and Fast-Acting Home Remedies This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.