Caffeine Relieves Dry Eyes

Eye Health

Bryan Nash

Dry eye syndrome affects about 4 million people over age 50 in the U.S. And now researchers at the University of Tokyo’s School of Medicine believe they have found a simple and easy treatment: caffeine.

Researchers knew that caffeine stimulates saliva and they theorized that the same would be true with tear glands. Tests proved their hypothesis. Caffeine increases tear production, which in turn alleviates dry eyes.

“If confirmed by other studies, our findings on caffeine should be useful in treating dry eye syndrome,” said Dr. Arita, M.D. Ph.D. the lead researcher. “At this point, though, we would advise using it selectively for patients who are most sensitive to caffeine’s stimulating effects.”

By Bryan Nash

Staff writer Bryan Nash has devoted much of his life to searching for the truth behind the lies that the masses never question. He is currently pursuing a Master's of Divinity and is the author of The Messiah's Misfits, Things Unseen and The Backpack Guide to Surviving the University. He has also been a regular contributor to the magazine Biblical Insights.

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