Fast, convenient, cheaper—but less safe?
Is coffee part of your morning routine? You’re definitely not alone. Many people in Hungary kick off their day with a strong black coffee—whether brewed at home, from a capsule, or instant. Instant coffee is especially popular because it’s quick, easy, and usually cheaper. But a recent scientific study suggests that instant coffee could carry unexpected long-term health risks—especially for your eyes.
A study published in the international medical journal Food Science & Nutrition shared findings every instant coffee lover should consider: daily consumption of instant coffee powder may increase the risk of developing a serious eye disease linked to vision loss, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by up to seven times.
Macular degeneration is becoming more common here, too
Age-related macular degeneration damages the central part of the retina—the macula—which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading or recognizing faces. It mainly affects people over 50 and is increasingly common in Hungary, making it a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that people with macular degeneration gradually lose their central vision, while their peripheral (side) vision remains intact.
There are two types:
- dry type, which progresses slowly and is more common,
- wet type, which causes faster vision loss and more serious complications.
The dry form can eventually turn into the wet type—so early detection and prevention are key.
What the researchers say
Chinese researchers analyzed data from over half a million people aged 50 and above diagnosed with some form of macular degeneration. They found a genetic link between instant coffee consumption and dry-type macular degeneration.
In the authors’ own words:
- “Instant coffee consumption is genetically correlated with dry age-related macular degeneration.”
- “Drinking instant coffee may increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to seven times.”
Other coffee types—like ground, capsule, or decaf—were also studied but showed no connection to the disease.
The risk linked to instant coffee mainly affects those genetically predisposed to AMD. But this doesn’t mean others aren’t at risk—genetic factors often remain hidden until symptoms appear.
The researchers note: “Studying the genetic links between coffee consumption and age-related macular degeneration risk could help uncover possible cause-and-effect relationships between diet and eye diseases.”
They add: “Clinicians can advise patients to reduce instant coffee intake based on their genetic risk profiles, offering a precision approach to lowering dry macular degeneration risk.”
You have plenty of alternatives to choose from
While more research is needed to fully understand the connections, these findings suggest it’s worth considering swapping your daily instant coffee for something more natural—like freshly ground whole beans.
Luckily, stores offer tons of options: Arabica and Robusta blends, decaf varieties, and even artisan roasts from local roasters that not only taste better but tend to be healthier than instant coffee.
Always think about your eyes, too!
Many of us are mindful about our health—our diet, skin, or blood pressure. If that sounds like you, that’s awesome! But don’t forget your eyes deserve just as much care—especially if you spend lots of time in front of screens or have a family history of macular degeneration.
If you’ve been putting off an eye exam, now’s the time to change that!
General recommendations suggest:
- every 2–3 years before age 40,
- at least every 2 years after age 40,
- and annually for those over 60 or in high-risk groups.
A simple screening can catch eye diseases early—even those without symptoms at first—like macular degeneration or glaucoma. And if you’ve been a regular instant coffee drinker, it might be a good idea to explore other options going forward!
