Instant Coffee Affects Eyesight Damage...Up to 7 times higher risk of dry macular degeneration
Jul 09, 2025
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According to a recent study published in the international journal Food Science & Nutrition, a shocking result has been found that the habit of drinking instant coffee can increase the risk of developing 'dry macular degeneration' by up to 700%.
A joint team of researchers at Xuyan Medical University in Hubei Province analyzed the genetic and health data of more than 500,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank.
For this study, the researchers divided the types of coffee consumed into instant, coffee bean grinding, and decaffeinated, and compared the diagnostic data for macular degeneration.
The results showed that among those with certain genetic predispositions susceptible to macular degeneration, those who enjoy instant coffee were more than seven times more likely to develop dry macular degeneration.
No significant association was found when decaffeinated or coffee beans were consumed.
Macular degeneration is a disease in which vision deteriorates due to aging of the macula, the center of the retina, and is divided into 'dry' and 'wet'.
Dry macular degeneration is a case in which waste products called 'Druzen' accumulate under the retina and gradually deteriorate the capillary function. Eyesight is good in the early stages, but in the late stages of increased waste and atrophy of the retina, vision can be severely damaged.
Wet macular degeneration refers to the occurrence of abnormal new blood vessels in the subretinal choroid area. Eyesight is rapidly deteriorated from the beginning of the outbreak, because bleeding and swelling from new blood vessels rapidly damage the retinal structure. It is a very serious disease that can lead to blindness if the treatment is delayed.
In general, coffee is known as a healthy drink because it is rich in antioxidants and neuroprotective ingredients.
However, the researchers found that instant coffee is different from coffee beans in its manufacturing method, and there may be differences in the possibility of remaining chemical components, processing, etc"This difference may be associated with the risk of macular degeneration" he explained.
In addition, the research team said it plans to expand the verification to population groups of different races and regions based on the results of the study.
Although you do not have to quit coffee unconditionally to protect your eyesight, some suggested that those who are already genetically at high risk of macular degeneration should reduce instant coffee consumption and choose relatively less processed forms such as coffee beans.
In order to protect vision health in old age, ▲Anti-oxidation diet ▲ Proper exercise ▲ Non-smoking and abstaining ▲ Regular ophthalmic examinations, as well as 'What coffee do you drink' will now be a variable to consider.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
