We want to spotlight the work that has been done on the relationship between lifestyle and Glaucoma.
Caffeine and Glaucoma
Studies indicate that those with the highest genetic risk may want to consider limiting their caffeine intake if it is considerable.
Co-author Dr Anthony Khawaja (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital) said: “Glaucoma patients often ask if they can help to protect their sight through lifestyle changes, however, this has been a relatively understudied area until now. 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.
“The UK Biobank study is helping us to learn more than ever before about how our genes affect our glaucoma risk and the role that our behaviours and environment could play. We look forward to continuing to expand our knowledge in this area.”
Alcohol and Glaucoma
A complimentary study found that the impact of alcohol consumption was dose-dependent as to the impact. It suggests when alcohol is consumed by someone with a genetic predisposition to glaucoma the negative effects are intensified. To learn about these dosage thresholds, visit the further reading below.
Findings from the UK Biobank. The UK Biobank is a large, population-based cohort study of over half a million participants aged 37 to 73 years at baseline (2006 – 2010).