Caffeine Could Prevent Cataracts


New research shows that caffeine could be key to preventing the formation of cataracts. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine claim that caffeine could be used to limit the number of harmful oxygen molecules that are generated within the eye that can lead to cataracts forming across the eye's lens.

Scientists reached their conclusions by studying the eye health of mice who were exposed to harmful UV rays and kynureinine. Kynureuinine is a protein molecule that has been linked to cataract formation and is thought to help build molecules that filter damaging UV light. The body's natural kynureinine levels are though to decrease with the progression of cataracts.

The researchers found that mice who had been given a caffeine supplemented diet had sustained less damage to the lenses of their eyes, leading scientists to believe that caffeine may counter depletion of kynureinine levels and thus protects against factors that are known to cause or worsen cataracts.

Researchers have presented their findings at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. It is hoped that further research into the possible eye health benefits of caffeine could result in simple and effective treatments for the growing global problem of cataracts.

6th May 2010

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