Researchers estimate that approximately 200 million people worldwide are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that impairs central vision and can cause blurriness or other visual disturbances.

There are two forms of AMD. The more common type is dry AMD, which involves gradual damage to the macula—a region at the back of the retina—as part of the natural aging process. Wet AMD, on the other hand, occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow behind the eye and damage the macula, reported Medical News Today.

A recent study featured in the journal Food Science & Nutrition suggests that a mix of genetic factors and consuming instant coffee could raise the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In this study, researchers gathered coffee consumption data from over 500,000 individuals using the UK Biobank genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. Participants were categorised based on their coffee preferences: decaffeinated, ground, or instant coffee.

Additionally, data on both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in adults aged 50 and older was sourced from the Finngen GWAS dataset.

Using the collected data, researchers applied several analytical methods—such as Mendelian randomisation and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC)—to explore potential genetic links.

By the end of the study, they discovered a genetic overlap between a predisposition for drinking instant coffee and an increased risk of developing dry AMD.

Moreover, within this genetic connection, they found that consuming instant coffee—as opposed to other types—was associated with a roughly sevenfold higher risk of dry AMD.