A new study reveals that drinking instant coffee may significantly increase the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially in individuals with specific genetic predispositions.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss globally, affects approximately 200 million people. While there are two types of AMD — dry and wet — the majority of patients develop the dry form, which involves gradual damage to the macula, the central part of the retina. Currently, there is no cure for AMD, making the identification of risk factors critical for early intervention and management.
A recent study led by Dr. Siwei Liu from the Department of Ophthalmology at Shiyan Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, and published in Food Science & Nutrition, has found a surprising correlation between instant coffee consumption and a sevenfold increase in the risk of dry AMD, particularly in people with certain genetic markers.
"As there is currently no cure, identifying new modifiable factors is crucial for slowing disease progression, preserving vision, and improving patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Liu.
Using data from over 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), researchers analyzed coffee consumption habits—categorized into decaffeinated, ground, and instant coffee—and correlated them with AMD incidence using data from the Finnish Finngen GWAS.
Their analysis found:
A strong genetic overlap between a preference for instant coffee and a higher risk of dry AMD.
Instant coffee drinkers had a nearly sevenfold increased risk of developing dry AMD, compared to non-instant coffee drinkers.
No significant link was observed between coffee consumption and wet AMD.
Dr. Liu added,
“This genetic overlap suggests shared biological pathways or metabolic mechanisms connecting the preference for instant coffee with dry AMD risk. It offers new insight into AMD pathogenesis and highlights the potential for gene-informed lifestyle interventions.”
The research team now plans to validate these findings in independent populations and explore the metabolic impact of instant coffee through functional studies.
Commenting on the study, Dr. David I. Geffen, an optometrist in California, emphasized the potential implications of the findings but urged caution:
“This is an interesting association, but it’s far too early to discourage instant coffee drinking without deeper understanding. We need to know the quantity consumed and other social or lifestyle factors that might be influencing this correlation.”
Dr. Benjamin Bert, a board-certified ophthalmologist, also highlighted the study’s significance in the context of personalized medicine:
“This is a fascinating look at the future of healthcare — using DNA-based profiling to inform risk and lifestyle guidance. It adds another layer to how diet and genetics interact in diseases like AMD.”
Though instant coffee remains a convenient choice for millions worldwide, the study adds to a growing body of evidence linking ultra-processed foods and beverages with chronic health risks. The findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship but underscore the importance of moderation and further research.
Until more conclusive evidence emerges, health professionals suggest focusing on balanced diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, which are known to support eye health.
