Currently, many people use energy drinks to maintain alertness and concentration when studying or working. Students preparing for exams, office workers working at high intensity and long-distance drivers are groups that regularly choose this type of drink to reduce fatigue. However, regular consumption of energy drinks can have negative effects on eye health that not everyone recognizes early.
According to Dr. Prarthna Anand - senior ophthalmology consultant at Yatharth Superior Hospital (Noida, India), the eyes are sensitive organs and are directly affected by diet and lifestyle. Most energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar and stimulants. Prolonged use of these ingredients can increase the risk of eye problems, even if users have not seen obvious symptoms in the early stages.
The effects of energy drinks on the eyes
A common problem when drinking energy drinks is dry eyes. Caffeine can dehydrate the body, leading to reduced tear secretion. When the eyes are not fully lubricated, users can easily feel dry, itchy, bulging or uncomfortable, especially when using computers and phones for a long time.
Besides, eye strain and blurred vision are also quite common. Energy drinks can make the heart beat faster and stimulate the nervous system, making it difficult for the eyes to relax. After drinking, many people feel tightness around the eyes, headache or reduced concentration when reading books or working.
Caffeine also affects sleep, while this is an important time for the eyes to recover. Prolonged lack of sleep can cause dark circles, dry eyes, eyelid spasms and worsen existing eye diseases. Eyelid spasms are not dangerous but cause discomfort and affect daily life.
Long-term risks and how to protect vision
According to experts, another worrying risk comes from the high sugar content in energy drinks. Consuming a lot of sugar can affect blood circulation and damage small blood vessels in the eyes. People with or at risk of diabetes are particularly prone to eye complications if they regularly use energy drinks without controlling blood sugar.
Children and adolescents are the group that needs to be paid more attention to, because the habit of drinking energy drinks early can lead to insomnia, eye strain and long-term effects on vision.
To protect your eyes, experts recommend limiting energy drinks, drinking enough filtered water, eating more fresh fruits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Reasonable eye rest when using electronic devices, getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night and regular eye exams are necessary to maintain healthy eyesight.
