Caffeine Consumption in Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Subjects

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drinking nutrient in the world. Caffeine effects various organs and the vascular system. It decreases ocular blood flow due to vasoconstriction.

Ingestion of caffeine in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects may decrease peripapillary and macular blood flow in the back of the eye. The primary objective of this study is to assess the acute changes in peripapillary and macular blood flow before and after an intake of oral caffeine (200 milligram tablet) in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scans. This novel imaging tool creates three-dimensional angiograms to assesses signal changes caused by flowing blood cells in a non-invasive angiogram scan. Blood flow is shown as vessel density measured in percentage.