Caffeine intake not a risk factor for dry eye disease, study finds

Norway: In the general population, dietary caffeine intake does not appear to be a risk factor for dry eye disease (DED), says an article published in the journal Cornea on 26th January 2022.

Morten Schjerven Magno and colleagues conducted this investigation in the large, population-based Life Lines cohort in the Netherlands to see if there was a link between coffee use and dry eye disease.

For this study, The Women's Health Study dry eye questionnaire was used to measure DED in 85,302 individuals (59% of whom were female). Caffeine consumption from coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks was used to determine dietary caffeine. The association between DED and caffeine was investigated using logistic regression, which took into account demographic characteristics, smoking status, alcohol intake, and 48 DED comorbidities.

The results of this study stated as follow:

1. The participants' average age was 50.7 years, with 50,339 (59%) of them being female.

2. Caffeine consumption was 285 (182) mg/d on average (SD). After accounting for demographics, BMI, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, increased caffeine consumption was linked to a lower risk of DED as defined by the Women's Health Study [odds ratio (OR) 0.971 per 100 mg/d].

3. When medical comorbidities were taken into account, no significant effect was seen (OR 0.985).

4. Caffeine had the same effect on DED in both male and female individuals, regardless of sleep quality or workplace stress.

5. When controlled for caffeinated coffee, demographics, alcohol intake, smoking status, and comorbidities, decaffeinated coffee intake was substantially related to an elevated risk of DED (OR 1.046 per cup/d).

6. When all other caffeinated beverages, demographics, smoking status, alcohol intake, and other comorbidities were taken into account, none of the beverages were shown to be substantially linked with the risk of DED.

In conclusion, the authors suggested that caffeine intake should not be reduced in those with Dry Eye Disease based on the findings of the study.

Reference:

Magno MS, Utheim TP, Morthen MK, Snieder H, Jansonius NM, Hammond CJ, Vehof J. The Relationship Between Caffeine Intake and Dry Eye Disease. Cornea. 2022 Jan 26. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000002979. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35081066.