The available evidence examining the links between dietary patterns or dietary components and glaucoma risk is limited, mostly observational, and often conflicting. That said, the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, carotenes, and nitrate has been linked to a reduced risk of glaucoma. Moreover, some studies have linked caffeinated tea intake with a lower risk of glaucoma. On the other hand, caffeine and caffeinated coffee transiently increase intraocular pressure (a risk factor for glaucoma onset and progression) in individuals with glaucoma, but do not seem to affect individuals without glaucoma.[1]
How could diet affect glaucoma?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Dietary patterns and components have a limited and often conflicting relationship with glaucoma risk, but eating fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A, carotenes, and nitrate may reduce risk. Additionally, although caffeinated tea may be associated with lower glaucoma risk, caffeine in coffee can temporarily raise intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma.