Instant Coffee and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Based on recent genetic research, instant coffee consumption may significantly increase the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and should be avoided by individuals at risk for or diagnosed with AMD. 1
Understanding AMD Risk Factors
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision impairment worldwide, particularly among older adults. The disease progression can be influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors:
Established Risk Factors
- Age: Prevalence increases significantly with age, from 0.3% in white females aged 60-64 to 16.4% in those 80 and older 2
- Genetics: Estimated heritability of late-stage AMD is approximately 71% 3
- Smoking: Consistently identified as a major modifiable risk factor, with risk increasing relative to pack-years smoked 2
- Nutrition: Low dietary intake of antioxidants (zinc and carotenoids) 4
Instant Coffee as a Risk Factor
Recent genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization analyses have revealed a significant association between instant coffee consumption and dry AMD. The 2025 study found that:
- Each standard deviation increase in instant coffee intake was associated with a 6.92-fold increased risk of dry AMD 1
- This association appears to be causal based on genetic evidence 1
Prevention and Management Recommendations
Dietary Modifications
Avoid instant coffee: Based on the most recent genetic evidence, individuals at risk for AMD should eliminate instant coffee from their diet 1
AREDS2 supplementation: For those with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye, the AREDS2 formula (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin) has been shown to reduce progression risk by up to 36% over a 10-year period 2
Antioxidant-rich diet: Consume foods high in lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, though supplements beyond AREDS2 have limited evidence 5
Lifestyle Modifications
Smoking cessation: This is the most well-established modifiable risk factor for AMD progression 2, 4
Regular eye examinations: Early detection allows for timely intervention, particularly for neovascular AMD where anti-VEGF treatment is highly effective 2
Monitoring and Follow-up
For patients at risk or diagnosed with AMD:
- Regular comprehensive eye examinations including stereoscopic biomicroscopic examination of the fundus 2
- Self-monitoring with Amsler grid to detect early metamorphopsia 2
- Prompt reporting of new visual symptoms, especially for those with unilateral disease 2
Clinical Implications
The identification of instant coffee as a risk factor for AMD represents an important, actionable finding for clinical practice. While traditional risk factors like smoking and nutrition have been well-established, this newer evidence provides an additional modifiable factor that can be addressed in patient counseling.
Pitfalls and Caveats
Not all coffee is equal: The research specifically identifies instant coffee, not all coffee consumption, as problematic 1
Individual risk assessment: Patients with genetic predisposition to AMD may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of instant coffee 1
Patient education: Emphasize that while central visual loss is common with AMD, total visual loss is extremely rare 2
By addressing modifiable risk factors including instant coffee consumption, smoking cessation, and appropriate nutritional supplementation, clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of AMD progression and preserve visual function.