Caffeinated drinks are known to increase blood pressure, as well as pressure in your eyes. Consistently high levels of eye pressure are known to cause glaucoma, so there could easily be a link between your coffee habit and one of the world’s leading causes of blindness.

A 2012 study by Harvard Medical school found that there was indeed a link between drinking 3+ cups of coffee and developing exfoliation glaucoma. This happens when a build-up of fluid in the eyes turns up the pressure on the optic nerves. They also found that this increase in risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma was more prominent in those with a family history.

While this study could show a link, it doesn’t mean that if you drink lots of coffee you’ll definitely develop glaucoma. For example, many participants of the study had a family history of glaucoma, which has been proven to be a key factor in developing the condition. It’s all about how your body handles caffeine - so it’s far from a one-size-fits-all approach. These results are also based on regular overconsumption: more about consistently having 3+ cups of coffee every day, rather than drinking an extra cup on a busy Monday.

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Does drinking coffee damage your eyesight?