Can glaucoma patients drink coffee?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether glaucoma patients can drink coffee should be determined based on the severity of their condition, individual sensitivity to caffeine, and intraocular pressure control. In daily life, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding high-salt and high-sugar foods, and consuming more foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E—such as leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish—can help support eye health.
In general, whether glaucoma patients can drink coffee should be determined based on the severity of their condition, individual sensitivity to caffeine, and intraocular pressure (IOP) control. The specific analysis is as follows:
For glaucoma patients whose condition is stable, whose IOP is well-controlled, and who have low sensitivity to caffeine, moderate coffee consumption may be acceptable. These individuals typically metabolize caffeine effectively, and the temporary rise in eye pressure caused by one cup of weak coffee per day does not damage the optic nerve or interfere with overall treatment efficacy. However, they should still monitor their body's response after drinking coffee.
Patients with severe disease, persistently elevated IOP that is not adequately controlled, or high sensitivity to caffeine should avoid coffee. Caffeine can stimulate an increase in intraocular pressure; consuming coffee may lead to a sudden spike in IOP among these patients, worsening optic nerve damage and potentially causing serious consequences such as visual field loss and vision decline, which are detrimental to disease stability.
In daily life, maintaining healthy eating habits—such as avoiding high-salt and high-sugar foods—and consuming more foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E—like leafy greens, nuts, and fish—can help support eye health.
