For many of us, the day doesn’t truly begin until we’ve had our first cup of coffee.

Whether you’re a fan of a rich espresso, a classic flat white, or a quick and easy instant brew, coffee is a beloved ritual across Australia—especially among the over-60s crowd.

But what if your morning cuppa could be doing more harm than good, particularly to your eyesight?

A recent study out of China has sent a jolt through the coffee-loving community, suggesting that instant coffee—yes, the very same stuff many of us have relied on for decades—may be linked to a significantly higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is a common eye disease that affects the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It’s a leading cause of vision impairment in people over 50, making it harder to read, drive, or even recognise faces.

There are two main types: 'dry' AMD, which involves gradual breakdown of the macula, and 'wet' AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.

The Surprising Coffee Connection
The Chinese research team, led by ophthalmologist Dr Qi Jia, analysed genetic and health data from large groups in the UK and Finland.

New research suggests that people who prefer instant coffee may be up to seven times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. Image source: Ion Fet / Unsplash.

Their findings were eye-opening: people with a genetic preference for instant coffee were up to seven times more likely to develop dry AMD compared to those who preferred other types of coffee. The risk for wet AMD was also significantly higher.

But before you toss out your jar of Moccona or Nescafé, it’s important to understand what this study actually found—and what it didn’t.

How Could Instant Coffee Affect Your Eyes?
Researchers suspect the culprit may be acrylamide, a chemical formed during the high-temperature processing of instant coffee.

Acrylamide has been shown to enter the bloodstream and, in theory, could damage sensitive tissues like the retina. However, the study was observational, meaning it can’t prove that instant coffee causes AMD—only that there’s a link worth investigating.

Also read: Eat Your Way to Eagle Eyes: 12 Surprising Foods that Skyrocket Your Vision Health!

Dr Jia’s advice? 'Instant coffee may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and reducing its intake could help prevent it. People at high risk of age-related macular degeneration should avoid instant coffee.'

Who’s Most at Risk?
If you have a family history of AMD, are overweight, smoke, or have high blood pressure, your risk is already higher. People with blue or green eyes are also more vulnerable, as their eyes have less protective pigment against sunlight.

But Wait—Isn’t Coffee Supposed to Be Good for You?
Here’s where things get interesting. Previous research has actually suggested that coffee—especially the brewed kind—might protect against AMD. A 2023 study involving 67,000 adults found that coffee drinkers had thicker nerve fibre layers in their eyes, which could help preserve vision.

So, what gives? The new study is one of the first to look at different types of coffee, and it used genetic data to estimate people’s coffee preferences. It’s possible that the way instant coffee is processed, or the additives it contains, could be the difference.

What Should You Do?
First, don’t panic. The study’s authors themselves say more research is needed before making sweeping changes to your coffee habits. But if you’re already at higher risk for AMD, it might be worth switching to ground or brewed coffee, or at least cutting back on instant.

If you’re concerned about your eye health, regular check-ups with your optometrist are a must. Early detection is key—while there’s no cure for AMD, treatments and supplements (like vitamins C, E, and zinc) can help slow its progression, especially for the 'wet' form.

Also read: Could this coffee habit lower diabetes risk? Here’s what the latest study reveals

Key Takeaways

• New research suggests that people who prefer instant coffee may be up to seven times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
• The study links this increased risk to the way instant coffee is prepared, potentially releasing acrylamide, a chemical that may damage the retina.
• Experts advise people with higher risk factors for AMD—such as family history, being overweight, smoking, or having blue or green eyes—to avoid instant coffee and consider reducing their intake.
• Researchers stress that the study was observational and does not prove instant coffee causes AMD, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.

Have you noticed any changes in your vision, or do you have a favourite coffee ritual you just can’t give up? Have you ever switched from instant to ground coffee—or vice versa? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

 

[Tipsy]

and what do they want you to buy to alleviate the problem???
When a so-called new health problem surfaces those that promote it normally have something they are pedalling to drain your wallet unless its paid for by the grubberments like a vaxx. which is still eventually paid by the taxpayer.