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Home » The Las Vegas Eye Care Blog » Can Drinking Coffee Relieve Dry Eyes?

Can Drinking Coffee Relieve Dry Eyes?

Can Drinking Coffee Relieve Dry Eyes 640Many of us enjoy a cup or two of coffee in the morning to keep our eyes awake and mind alert. But what else can caffeine do for our eyes?

If you suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES), characterized by dry, itchy and red eyes, you may have been advised by a friend or doctor to steer clear of caffeinated coffee due to its diuretic effect. Caffeinated beverages increase the frequency of urination, which leads to water loss. Yet some research suggests that a cup of caffeinated joe might actually promote tear production.

Below, we'll explore scientific research that studies the relationship between caffeine consumption and tear film.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

  • Dry eye syndrome (DES) is an eye condition characterized by dry, stinging, red, itchy eyes. It can be caused by several factors: poor tear quality, insufficient tears, allergies, environmental irritants and excessive digital screen time. Left untreated, DES can lead to corneal damage and scarring and even permanent vision loss in severe cases.
    Certain foods and beverages have been shown to improve the symptoms of DES, like fish high in omega 3s, leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and...possibly coffee.

How Does Caffeine Consumption Impact Dry Eye Syndrome?

  • Caffeine contains a chemical called xanthine, which has been shown to stimulate tear production when applied topically to the eye. As yet, there is insufficient published research to confirm that ingesting xanthine provides the same tear-producing effect, though preliminary studies seem to suggest that it does.

 

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that drinking caffeinated beverages significantly increased tear production after 45-90 minutes. Interestingly, age, gender and body mass had no bearing on the outcome.

Another study, published in Ophthalmology, found similar results. Researchers measured the participants' tear film twice: once after consuming caffeine and once after drinking a placebo. Their tear film was thickest after consuming caffeine, especially in those with a specific genetic makeup.

While both of these studies showed promising results, they didn't include enough participants to accurately project the findings onto the general population.

If You Have Dry Eye Syndrome, We Can Help

Finding relief from dry eye syndrome relies on understanding the root cause of your symptoms. Only your eye doctor can diagnose the problem and determine the best treatment for you, whether in the form of medicated or lubricating eye drops, in-clinic treatments, personalized eye hygiene products like eyelid cleansing wipes, nutritional supplements and more.

For long-lasting relief from dry eye syndrome, schedule your dry eye consultation with Yesnick Vision Center today.

Yesnick Vision Center serves patients from Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, and Henderson, all throughout Nevada.

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Yesnick Vision Center is thee best place for all your optical needs! I only wished I discovered his practice sooner since moving from NorCal. Before Dr. Yesnick I’ve had a 30+ year relationship with my previous Optometrist and I am confident that I’ve finally found my next Optometrist for the next 30+ years. Dr. Yesnick and his staff are absolutely a class act. Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personable. The optical equipment they have is state of the art, the office/facility very clean and well organized. Best part is that they have a HUGE selection of eyeglass frames to choose from.
1 hour ago
- Steve S.
Sometimes God places angels right here on Earth. Sight is sometimes taken for granted but if you lose it, it changes your life. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism with my husband and my son. A pure miracle when all hope was lost. I am so grateful for the doctors and the staff and their commitment to help people see again. I look forward to working together to change lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I would recommend this facility to anyone struggling with low vision.
8 hours ago
- Roxanne N.
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
6 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
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I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
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