As we age our vision can become a real problem. Our eyes age too, and things close up are hard to see and colors can become difficult to discern, like black versus navy blue. However, did you know the morning cup of joe can actually be helpful? Research has revealed the benefit of coffee or caffeine for your vision. 

3  Eye Conditions That Could Improve with Caffeine

Dry Eyes

A recent study claims that caffeine does not make dry eyes worse and it can possibly help dry eyes. How, you may ask. Caffeine helps stimulate the gland that produces tears which help lubricate the eyes and help prevent dry eyes. Therefore, a cup or two of coffee is not going to hurt your aging vision. The study claimed that their subjects tested who drank caffeine had a greater abundance of tears versus the subjects that did not have any caffeine at all. 

Cataracts 

The daily java may not only help with tear production but it can also decrease the risk of cataracts. A recent study shared that the consumption of caffeine helped reduce cataract blindness significantly compared to those who do not drink caffeine. The study states that caffeine helps reduce UV light on your eyes which in turn reduces the oxidative stress that causes cataracts. 

Retinal Disease

Drink up the coffee. Another advantage of caffeine is it can help reduce retinal disease. Strong antioxidants found in a cup of coffee can help prevent or reduce retinal damage caused by diseases or natural aging. Furthermore, another study showed that caffeine can reduce diabetic retinopathy and vision threatening retinopathy. 
As caffeine is showing some advantages for your vision, remember it is not a cure all and it can also increase risk of Glaucoma or other eye issues like eye twitching. Overall, you should  think about moderation. Generally, the best health for your eyes and body come from a healthy diet, exercise, proper sleep, and sun protection.  However, if you are craving that daily java, go for it! It will help get rid of the brain fog and help keep your vision relatively healthy too. Need more information on senior care? Contact Ann at Senior Living Options and she can help guide you to be the best care for your aging parents or loved one.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.