Could instant coffee cause eyesight loss? Research raises worrying questions

For decades, coffee has been the beloved morning ritual for millions looking to kick-start their mornings. However, new scientific research published in Food Science & Nutrition has uncovered a concerning link between instant coffee consumption and a serious eye condition.

The study reveals that drinking instant coffee significantly raises the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), a leading cause of irreversible vision loss among older adults.Age-related macular degeneration targets the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed and color vision. Dry AMD accounts for around 90% of all AMD cases and progresses gradually as protein deposits build up beneath the retina, causing permanent loss of central vision and ultimately leading to blindness.Researchers performed an extensive genetic analysis involving over 500,000 individuals and found a strong genetic correlation between instant coffee consumption and dry AMD risk. Unlike brewed, ground, or decaffeinated coffee, instant coffee was the only type associated with a statistically significant increase in dry AMD, with risk rising nearly sevenfold for every standard deviation increase in intake.

Instant coffee risks: Harmful compounds behind eye damage

Experts speculate that this heightened risk may not come from caffeine itself but from harmful substances produced during the industrial processing of instant coffee. The production methods such as spray-drying or freeze-drying generate high levels of potentially toxic byproducts including acrylamide and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds promote oxidative stress and inflammation in retinal cells, impairing the delicate tissues responsible for vision.Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are known to activate multiple molecular pathways involved in inflammation and cell damage, disrupting the blood-retinal barrier and increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative stress further exacerbates retinal cell injury, contributing to the development and progression of dry AMD.The findings challenge previous studies suggesting coffee’s protective effects against AMD, emphasizing the importance of differentiating coffee types.

While coffee overall has been linked to benefits for liver health, cardiovascular disease, and longevity, instant coffee’s unique manufacturing process appears to pose distinct ocular risks.

Instant coffee warnings for high-risk groups

Given these insights, health experts strongly advise people at high risk for AMD - such as those with a family history, smokers, or individuals with hypertension or obesity - to avoid or significantly reduce their intake of instant coffee.

The study's authors also call for further research into identifying and limiting harmful substances in instant coffee to mitigate these health impacts.As the global population ages and AMD incidence rises, understanding lifestyle factors like coffee consumption could be crucial in preserving vision health. For now, the message is clear: if you rely on instant coffee, be cautious about its potential consequences on your eyesight.