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Morphological changes in retinochoroidal microvasculature after caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee consumption
Mustafa Dogan1, Muberra Akdogan1, Mehmet Cem Sabaner1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
|October 6, 2022
Summary
Caffeinated coffee consumption temporarily reduced blood vessel density and choroidal thickness in healthy individuals. These changes were not observed after drinking decaffeinated coffee, suggesting caffeine causes vasoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinochoroidal microvascular morphology is crucial for ocular health.
- Understanding the physiological effects of common substances like coffee on these structures is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee on retinochoroidal microvascular morphology.
- To assess changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized clinical study involving 48 healthy volunteers.
- Participants were assigned to consume either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee.
- Ophthalmologic exams with OCT and OCTA were performed at multiple time points post-consumption.
Main Results:
- Caffeinated coffee significantly reduced parafoveal vessel density, outer retinal flow area, choriocapillaris flow area, and sub-foveal choroidal thickness 30 minutes and 1 hour after consumption.
- No significant microvascular changes were observed in the decaffeinated coffee group.
- Mean ages were comparable between groups (23.45 ± 0.92 vs. 22.73 ± 1.13 years).
Conclusions:
- Caffeinated coffee consumption leads to transient reductions in ocular microvascular parameters.
- The observed vasoconstrictive effects are likely attributable to caffeine.
- Decaffeinated coffee does not induce similar microvascular morphological changes.
