The Perfect Excuse For A Coffee Break: Coffee Is Good For Your Eyes!

This is a guest post by Victoria. Learn more about how you can guest post for Daily Shot Of Coffee.

For many people, a large mug of coffee is a morning essential to start the day. But amongst the various claims that coffee is damaging to health, it emerges that coffee could be beneficial for eyesight and help to improve the appearance of tired eyes. But whilst we’re all willing to sip on a cup of the caffeine-rich drink, would we ever apply it to our eyes?

What is dry eye syndrome?

Researchers from the University of Tokyo medical school have revealed that an intake of caffeine can help boost the body’s ability to produce tears. For many people, particularly women and those over the age of 50, dry eye syndrome (also known as keratitis sicca) is a difficult condition to contend with. Dry eyes can be the result of external factors, such as air-conditioning, staring at a computer screen or prolonged contact lens wear. Tears are essential for lubrication of the eye, cleansing, and expelling dirt and debris. The natural enzymes in tears also have a neutralising effect, essential for eye health. Whilst dry eyes are often simply an irritation, they can result in a more serious disease which threatens vision. The ailment is caused by a malfunction in tear production, meaning eyes are not moistened as they should be. In a survey completed by Allergan, results demonstrate that 19% of adults use over-the-counter eye drops at least 5 times a week to manage their dry-eye symptoms.

The benefits of caffeine

However, this medical breakthrough suggests that the high percentage of caffeine in coffee is the tool for stimulating tear production, just as it stimulates other bodily secretions such as saliva and digestive juices. Currently, the treatments of dry eye syndrome include ointments, eye drops and prescription medicine to increase tear production.

Just 78 people took part in the Tokyo study, but results suggest that caffeine could one day be successfully used to treat dry eye syndrome.

The latest beauty ingredient…

Another way in which caffeine is beneficial is for unattractive under-eye bags, as it is hailed as the new miracle beauty ingredient. When we’re tired, sometimes dark rings can appear under the eyes and many cosmetic products are now specifically formulated to target the problem. The eye area is perhaps the most susceptible to signs of ageing, so for a youthful glow we all understand the importance of reducing dark circles and puffiness. From eye roll-ons such as the hugely successful Garnier roll-on release in 2008, to concentrated serums, all the latest eye products seem to contain some form of caffeine.

How does it work?

Just as caffeine stimulates the body and gives us a boost of energy, it is able to ‘awaken’ tired skin. Caffeine is a natural anti-inflammatory and is rich in anti-oxidants which can help to reduce puffiness. By boosting natural collagen production, caffeine gives a firm look to the skin, tightening under-eye bags. In addition, caffeine increases blood flow in the micro-capillaries around the eye to help the skin repair itself and appear fresher and brighter.

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Written by Victoria for DirectSight, a site to buy glasses online.