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Does Drinking Coffee Affect Eye Pressure? What Studies Show
Introduction
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your eyes. It’s essential for keeping the shape of the eyeball intact and facilitating the flow of essential nutrients. However, when eye pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to serious conditions such as glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. With coffee being one of the most consumed beverages globally, many have wondered whether drinking coffee could affect eye pressure and, by extension, eye health. This article delves into the relationship between coffee consumption and eye pressure, based on scientific studies, to help you make informed decisions about your daily cup of coffee.
At SNU Eye Clinic, we are committed to providing evidence-based insights into all aspects of eye health, ensuring that our patients have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Understanding Intraocular Pressure and Its Importance
Intraocular pressure (IOP) refers to the fluid pressure inside the eye, which is primarily regulated by the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor—a clear fluid that fills the front part of the eye. This pressure is crucial for maintaining the shape of the eye and supporting proper visual function. Typically, normal IOP ranges between 10 and 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
When eye pressure is consistently too high, it can lead to glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased IOP. Glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss if not properly managed. Conversely, low IOP can also cause vision issues but is far less common.
Understanding and monitoring IOP is essential for preventing these serious eye conditions. That’s why it’s important to consider all factors that could potentially influence eye pressure, including coffee consumption.