Instant coffee and its link to severe vision loss: What you need to know, according to a new study.

A team of researchers from Hubei Medical University in China has discovered a significant relationship between instant coffee consumption and the development of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , one of the leading causes of severe vision loss worldwide. This finding, published in the scientific journal Food Science and Nutrition, invites reflection on coffee consumption habits and their impact on eye health, especially in people over 50.

The study was based on genetic analysis of data provided by the UK Biobank, which included detailed information on the coffee drinking habits of more than 500,000 participants. The results showed that those with a genetic predisposition to instant coffee consumption had a higher risk of developing dry AMD, a condition that affects central vision and can complicate everyday activities such as reading or recognizing faces. In contrast, no significant relationship was found between the condition and the consumption of ground or decaffeinated coffee, or with the wet form of the ocular disease.

According to Siwei Liu, senior researcher at the Department of Ophthalmology at Shiyan Taihe Hospital, Hubei Medical University, “Reducing instant coffee consumption could be an important preventative measure to reduce the incidence of this disease.” Experts suggest that certain compounds generated during the instant coffee production process, and absent in other types of coffee, could be behind this additional risk. However, further research is needed to precisely identify these substances and how they affect eye health.

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that, while not causing total blindness, can significantly impair quality of life by making everyday tasks difficult. It is estimated that it currently affects nearly 200 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 290 million by 2040. This alarming growth underscores the importance of considering modifiable risk factors, including dietary and consumer habits that could influence eye health.

The study is a wake-up call for those who prefer instant coffee. Although this option is popular for its convenience and speed, researchers suggest that limiting its consumption may be a prudent measure , especially among people with a family history of eye disease. In this sense, opting for other varieties of coffee, such as ground or decaffeinated, may be a safer alternative.

In a world where access to information allows us to make more informed decisions, this type of research reinforces the importance of reviewing our daily habits. From choosing a balanced diet to protecting our eyesight with regular eye exams, small changes can make a big difference in our quality of life. And now, with these new findings, even our choice of coffee could be key to taking care of our long-term eye health.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from La Nación.