J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2015 Jul;56(7):1096-1103. 10.3341/jkos.2015.56.7.1096.

The Effect of Caffeinated Energy Drink Consumption on Intraocular Pressure in Young Adults

• Jo SH
• Lee CK

• KMID: 2148811
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2015.56.7.1096

Abstract

PURPOSE
Several energy drinks containing a high content of caffeine are widely consumed among young adults. We examined the effects of caffeinated energy drinks on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) in healthy young subjects.
METHODS
In this prospective randomized, case-controlled cross over study conducted, from August to September of 2014, 40 healthy young volunteers (80 eyes) in their 20's and 30's drank 2 types of beverage each consumed after a 3-month washout period. The study participants were randomly given the caffeinated energy drink (group I, n = 20) or caffeine-free drink (group II, n = 20), IOP and BP were measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and 12 and 24 hours after beverage consumption.
RESULTS
In group I, the mean +/- standard deviation (SD) of IOP at baseline was 13.2 +/- 1.56 mm Hg and the IOP increased until 24 hours after drink consumption. IOPs at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and 12 and 24 hours after drinking caffeinated energy drink were 14.45 +/- 2.12, 14.93 +/- 2.02, 14.85 +/- 1.55, 14.2 +/- 1.34, 14.25 +/- 1.74, and 13.35 +/- 1.61, respectively and statistically significant at 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes and 12 hours (p < 0.05). A corresponding increase in BP after drinking the caffeinated energy drink was observed but without statistical significance. Drinking the caffeine-free beverage did not affect IOP or BP significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
IOP increases after consuming the caffeinated energy drink were statistically significant at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes and 12 hours. Therefore, caffeinated energy drinks may not be recommended for glaucoma patients or glaucoma suspects.

Keyword

Caffeinated drink; Caffeine; Energy drink; Intraocular pressure

MeSH Terms

Beverages
Blood Pressure
Caffeine
Case-Control Studies
Drinking
Energy Drinks*
Glaucoma
Humans
Intraocular Pressure*
Prospective Studies
Volunteers
Young Adult*
Caffeine

Figure

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  Figure 1. Study design. A prospective randomized, case-controlled crossover study.

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  Figure 2. (A) Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer of caffeine free drink group and caffeinated energy drink group. (B) IOP measured by ocular response analyzer of caffeine free drink group and caffeinated energy drink group. IOP GAT = IOP measurement of a Goldmann applanation tonometer; IOP ORA = IOP measurement of an ocular response analyzer.* Bonferroni p-value, p < 0.05.

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  Figure 3. (A) Systolic blood pressure of caffeine free drink group and caffeinated energy drink group. (B) Diastolic blood pressure of caffeine free drink group and caffeinated energy drink group. BP = blood pressure. * Bonferroni p-value, p < 0.05.

Reference

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