Caffeine Use May Offer Relief from Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition affecting about 4 million people age 50 and older in the United States. For many, dry eye syndrome is simply uncomfortable and annoying, but for others, it escalates into a vision-threatening disease.
Dry eye syndrome involves the malfunction of the rate of tear production, the quality of tears, and the rate of evaporation from the surface of the eye. Anyone can experience dry eyes, though it is more common among women. Symptoms can include gritty, scratchy, or burning sensations, excessive tearing, and/or the production of stringy mucus.
While there are many treatments for dry eyes, they usually need to be taken indefinitely to treat dry eyes effectively. Thankfully, for sufferers out there, scientists have found a possible, and delicious, solution for dry eyes.

The University of Tokyo Study

This study was published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In the study, researchers at the University of Tokyo’s School of Medicine have shown for the first time that caffeine intake can significantly increase the eye’s ability to produce tears, a finding that could improve the treatment of dry eye syndrome.
The Japanese research team was motivated by an earlier study that had shown a reduced risk for dry eye in caffeine users: 13 percent of users had the syndrome compared with nearly 17 percent of non-users. The team hypothesized that caffeine was likely to stimulate tear glands, since it is known to increase other secretions, such as saliva and digestive juices.
In the Japanese study, the volunteers were divided into two groups: one received caffeine tablets in the first session and a placebo in the second session, while the order was reversed for the other group. Tear volume was measured within 45 minutes of consuming the tablets. No subjects knew whether they received caffeine or the placebo. All abstained from caffeine use for six days before each session and used no drugs during the sessions. All of the 78 participants in the study produced significantly more tears after consuming caffeine than after taking a placebo.
The researchers analyzed study participants’ DNA samples for two genetic variations that play important roles in caffeine metabolism. Tear production proved to be higher in study subjects who had the two genetic variations. Based on the study, the researchers advised that caffeine might be a useful treatment for dry eye symptoms in patients who are most sensitive to caffeine’s stimulating effects.

Help Prevent Dry Eyes

In addition to taking caffeine, here are a few other ways to help prevent uncomfortable dry eyes.

1. Avoid blowing air in your face

Keep fans and vents from blowing in your face, since the moving air will encourage the evaporation of tears.

2. Add moisture to the air

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in the dry, winter months.

3. Try protective eyewear

Wrap-around sunglasses can help protect your eyes from wind and dry air. Ask your eye doctor about protective shields for the tops and sides of your sunglasses, they will offer even more protection.

4. Give your eyes a break

When performing tasks that require visual concentration, like reading or working at a computer, take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

5. Be aware of your environment

If you’re in an especially dry environment, try frequently closing your eyes for a few minutes.

Try a Mocca Shot for Dry Eyes

One delicious Seattle Gummy Mocca Shot contains more caffeine than two strong cups of coffee. With the findings from the Japanese study, we know that caffeine helps increase the production of tears. So, banish dry eyes with a Mocca Shot! The caffeine in a Mocca Shot is formulated to give you steady, non-jittery energy, which is unlike the energy you might get from coffee or an energy drink. Containing several B vitamins, the Mocca Shot helps your body make energy and feeds your brain. Coupled with the brain-boosting herb, ginkgo biloba, the Mocca Shot is the go-to energy gummy on the market! It’s also rich in antioxidants from Dutch cocoa, making the Mocca Shot good for the body, as well as boosting your energy.
With its patented non-melting technology, a Mocca Shot is ready for you whenever you need it. Their resealable pouches let you conveniently take Mocca Shots wherever you go. The next time you have dry eyes, reach for a Mocca Shot!

Journal Reference: Reiko Arita, Yasuo Yanagi, Norihiko Honda, Shuji Maeda, Koshi Maeda, Aya Kuchiba, Takuhiro Yamaguchi, Yoshitsugu Yanagihara, Hiroshi Suzuki, Shiro Amano. Caffeine Increases Tear Volume Depending on Polymorphisms within the Adenosine A2a Receptor Gene and Cytochrome P450 1A2. Ophthalmology, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.11.033