Drinking instant coffee may raise the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study in Food Science & Nutrition. Researchers reviewed genetic and health data from more than 500,000 people and found a strong association between instant coffee consumption and this leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
Unlike ground or decaf coffee, instant coffee was linked to a higher risk of dry AMD. Experts believe the risk may come from harmful compounds such as acrylamide and oxidized fats that form during the high-heat processing of instant coffee. These substances may damage the retina over time.
While the study doesn't prove instant coffee directly causes AMD, researchers say the findings are worth considering. If you have a family history of macular degeneration or early symptoms, switching to fresh-brewed coffee might be a safer choice.
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