What would you do if you suddenly woke up blind?
Would you know how to install a screen reader to read an article like this?
Although it’s a hypothetical question, this is a reality for some who suffer from glaucoma.
Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by excess eye pressure.
It’s painful and sometimes leads to complete blindless.
Meaning, one day you could be crushing life and the next day you don’t have a driver’s license anymore.
Men who lose their eyesight say it’s the loneliest and most isolating experience they’ve ever known.
However, with the right lifestyle adjustments, glaucoma is a preventable disease.
One effective strategy is reducing your caffeine intake.
A New York medical study found frequent caffeine intake could increase the risk of glaucoma by 200% for those genetically at risk for high eye pressure.[R]
Meaning, it’s best to cut back on coffee if glaucoma or high eye pressure runs in your family.
One of the researchers, Dr. Anthony Khawaka, makes it clear that this link is only noticeable in those who are already at risk.
Here’s how he puts it:
“This study suggested that those with the highest genetic risk for glaucoma may benefit from moderating their caffeine intake. It should be noted that the link between caffeine and glaucoma risk was only seen with a large amount of caffeine and in those with the highest genetic risk.”
According to these findings, if glaucoma runs in your family, reducing your caffeine intake should be your number one priority.
Thankfully, caffeine in moderation is fine.
One or two cups of coffee should be enough to give you the daily kick you need anyway.
After hitting that limit, decaf is the way to go.
Your eyes will thank you.