Has NE1 noticed the correlations between caffeine & MGD

[catlover]

I've noticed a small correlation b/c I normally only drink non-caffeine things but lately when I've had a little caffeine I don't have a good eye day. My eye ends up watering more during the day

[msienkiewicz]

I haven't paid close attention, but I should. I would be thrilled if my eye was watering though. Doesn't caffeine restrict blood vessels because they say to drink a caffeinated drink to take away a headache. That might be a good thing for me because my inflammation is caused by enlarged blood vessels.

Interesting concept. I wonder what other people think...

Melissa

[irish eyes]

Being Irish, I'm a `tea fiend'. I once gave up tea for a few weeks to see if there would be any difference but there was nothing at all. I don't consume enough coffee for it to be an issue.

I too would be delighted to have moisture in my eyes.

[msienkiewicz]

Maybe I should be indulging in coffee and chocolate!

Wouldn't that be a shame

Melissa

[msienkiewicz]

You peaked my curiosity so I did a little researach and found that caffeine does indeed act as an anti-inflammatory so that might help tear production for those of us with inflammation.

Also found a new study using black currants to help dry eye.

Heading to starbucks.....
Melissa

[catlover]

You peaked my curiosity so I did a little researach and found that caffeine does indeed act as an anti-inflammatory so that might help tear production for those of us with inflammation.

Also found a new study using black currants to help dry eye.

Heading to starbucks.....
Melissa

This is so interesting to me b/c everything I've read about dry eyes mentions caffeine as a possible trigger? Would you mind sending a link about that. I would love to read it.

[msienkiewicz]

You're right caffeine is thought to be a contributing factor to dry eye because of its dehydrating qualities I thought. I just goggled caffeine as an anti inflammatory and it talked about it being just that:

"Other possible benefits include improved immune function from caffeine's anti-inflammatory effects and help with allergic reactions due to caffeine's ability to reduce concentrations of histamines. Some people's asthma also appears to benefit from caffeine. These research findings are intriguing, but still need to be proven."

http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffein...d-facts?page=3

The reduction of histamines on the eye would be a good thing.

Maybe I should have a second cup of coffee in the afternoon when my eyes are at there worst.


Melissa

[msienkiewicz]

Here's another interesting article about caffeine and rosacea. I have been told I have occular rosacea.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/skin...for-your-skin/

"For years, caffeine's ability to quickly and effectively constrict blood vessels has made it a valued topical ingredient, particularly in products designed to minimize facial flushing. For that reason, caffeine can be a tremendous boon to those who suffer from rosacea, which is essentially caused by frequently dilated blood vessels that lose their ability to contract."

WOW! I think I need to keep drinking my coffee. The article cautions the dehydrating properties of caffeine and the need to drink plenty of water with it or drinking your coffee over ice if you are prone to flushing.

Melissa

[skygoddess]

I read an article that said to drink nettle tea to reduce histamines in the eyes.
3 cups a day during flare ups, one cup per day to maintain.
I bought some at Whole Foods. I was pleasantly surprised at the taste.
I think it helped a bit, nothing drastic, but not bad for something so simple.

[msienkiewicz]

I know a friend who takes that in pill form (Nettleroot) for her allergies, and she says it works for her too.


Melissa

[irish eyes]

This talk has reminded me that I used to drink nettle tea several years ago. I used to buy it `loose' i.e not in bags and I think my friends thought I was a bit odd because I had a special tiny little teapot just for the purpose. It was quite palatable if you added a bit of lime juice - the stuff you dilute with water.

I think nettle tea was something that my mother suggested I take - I was often anaemic and there was always some remedy or other on the go. There was a saying along the lines of `the sting of the nettle is nothing compared to the pain that it heals'.

[catlover]

I read an article that said to drink nettle tea to reduce histamines in the eyes.
3 cups a day during flare ups, one cup per day to maintain.
I bought some at Whole Foods. I was pleasantly surprised at the taste.
I think it helped a bit, nothing drastic, but not bad for something so simple.

Nettle tea???? What is that? I've never heard of it. Can you get it at the grocery store (Walmart)?

[skygoddess]

Doubtful on the Walmart. I threw out the box, so I can't give you the brand name, but it was a brand I've seen before. Whole foods carries it, so I imagine any health food store would also. Maybe GNC?

[RobLIC]

I think it helps if you pour iced coffee directly onto your eyes, but it has to have half-and-half, which replaces the oils lost after LASIK. ... (Sorry! This thread terrified me the same way the one about dogs did. The eyes will have to go before the coffee or the labrador do ...) Rob

[magoo]

too funny, rob. I feel the same about my caffeine and my little buggy-eyed Joe, who appears above in all his splendor.