Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure in the eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness. Because glaucoma affects vision, people with the condition are often interested in whether certain foods or nutrients can help manage symptoms or slow disease progression. One question that often comes up is whether it is safe to eat chocolate with glaucoma.
The effects of chocolate on eye pressure
When considering foods for glaucoma, the main concern is their impact on eye pressure. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage in glaucoma. As such, foods that may raise IOP are typically discouraged for people with glaucoma.
So what does this mean for chocolate? Chocolate contains caffeine, which is known to temporarily spike blood pressure and heart rate. Some research has found that caffeine intake may also increase IOP. However, the rise in IOP after eating or drinking something with caffeine is generally small and temporary.
Most doctors advise moderation when it comes to chocolate and other sources of caffeine for people with glaucoma. Eating a small amount of chocolate likely will not cause any issues. But regularly consuming large amounts of chocolate or other caffeine-rich foods may contribute to optic nerve damage over time.
A 2017 study on chocolate and glaucoma
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Glaucoma looked specifically at the effects of chocolate on IOP in glaucoma patients. The researchers had 16 subjects with open angle glaucoma eat 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate. IOP was measured before eating the chocolate and again 2 hours afterwards.
On average, IOP decreased very slightly (by 0.6 mmHg) 2 hours after eating the dark chocolate. The researchers concluded that a small, reasonable amount of dark chocolate does not significantly affect IOP in glaucoma patients. Keep in mind this was a small study, so more research is needed. But it indicates dark chocolate in moderation is likely safe from an eye pressure standpoint.
Other effects of chocolate
Aside from eye pressure, there are a few other factors to consider regarding chocolate and glaucoma:
- Migraines – Chocolate can trigger migraines for some people. Migraines may raise IOP and increase glaucoma risk.
- Blood flow – Caffeine in chocolate restricts blood vessels. Poor ocular blood flow is linked to glaucoma damage.
- Sugar – High blood sugar levels can increase fluid pressure in the eye.
- Fat – Chocolate is high in saturated fat. Some research indicates high fat intake may increase glaucoma risk.
Overall, dark chocolate in small to moderate quantities is unlikely to cause problems. But regular overconsumption could potentially impact glaucoma. Portion control and avoiding excess intake of sugar, caffeine and saturated fat from any source are recommended.
Nutrients in chocolate that may benefit glaucoma
Interestingly, chocolate does contain some nutrients that may be beneficial for certain eye conditions like glaucoma.
For example, cocoa is rich in flavanols, antioxidant compounds that promote healthy blood flow. Improved circulation provides oxygen and nutrients to eye tissues and may protect against glaucoma damage related to poor ocular blood flow.
Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, also contains plant compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to play a role in some types of glaucoma.
Here’s a quick overview of some key nutrients in cocoa/chocolate and their potential eye benefits:
| Nutrient | Effects |
|---|---|
| Flavanols | Increase blood flow and nitric oxide production |
| Polyphenols | Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation |
| Magnesium | Support healthy blood flow |
| Vitamin E | Protects against free radical damage |
However, the concentrations of these compounds and minerals can vary greatly depending on factors like cocoa origin, processing and chocolate type. Overall, dark chocolate tends to be higher in antioxidants than milk chocolate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, enjoying chocolate in moderation can be part of a healthy diet for many people with glaucoma. While chocolate may slightly increase eye pressure temporarily, a small amount of dark chocolate is unlikely to cause harm. In fact, some nutrients in cocoa may even benefit ocular blood flow and protect eye tissues.
However, people with glaucoma should be mindful of their overall caffeine, sugar and saturated fat intake from chocolate and other sources. Avoiding chocolate is unnecessary, but overindulgence may be detrimental over time.
When consumed responsibly as part of balanced nutrition plan, chocolate can be a safe, enjoyable treat for those managing glaucoma. Moderation and portion control are key. Check with your doctor about specific dietary recommendations based on your individual glaucoma risk profile and health needs.
Tips for choosing and eating chocolate with glaucoma
Here are some tips for choosing and consuming chocolate when you have glaucoma:
- Opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate for more antioxidants.
- Enjoy chocolate in small portions to limit caffeine, sugar and fat intake.
- Be mindful of other sources of caffeine in your diet from coffee, tea, soda, etc.
- Read nutrition labels carefully and pick chocolate with less added sugar.
- Consider slowly savoring chocolate rather than mindlessly snacking on it.
- Pair chocolate with healthy foods like fruits and nuts for more nutrition.
- Wait at least 3 hours between chocolate and any IOP-lowering eye drops.
- Talk to your ophthalmologist about how much chocolate and caffeine is safe for your condition.
- Monitor your eye pressure and look for any changes after eating chocolate.
Chocolate can be incorporated into a balanced glaucoma diet, but it’s smart to be informed about any potential risks and benefits. By choosing dark chocolate in moderation and being mindful of your overall diet, having an occasional sweet treat can be safe for most people with glaucoma.
The potential blood pressure effects of chocolate
High blood pressure is another top risk factor for glaucoma progression besides high IOP. So it’s important to consider the potential blood pressure effects of chocolate as well.
Again, compounds in cocoa like flavanols and polyphenols are associated with improving circulation and blood vessel function. These benefits on blood pressure are often observed with dark chocolate and cocoa intake.
However, not all studies on chocolate and blood pressure have found a definitive benefit. The sugar and saturated fat content in some chocolate products can counteract the protective effects of cocoa.
Most health professionals recommend limiting chocolate intake to a 1-2 ounce serving per day to help control calories, fat, and sugar. This amount of dark chocolate is unlikely to significantly impact blood pressure for most people.
Those with blood pressure concerns may still be able to incorporate chocolate through these strategies:
- Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Look for chocolate with less added sugar.
- Eat chocolate as part of a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat.
- Be physically active to help manage blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure after eating chocolate.
- Talk to your doctor about safe chocolate intake for you.
With conscious chocolate choices and attention to your overall diet, having small amounts of dark chocolate should not negatively affect blood pressure. But it’s smart to be cautious and observe your individual response.
Other foods to eat and avoid with glaucoma
While chocolate can be included in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, there are some other foods those with glaucoma should emphasize or limit:
Foods to eat more of
- Leafy greens: Contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that may protect eye tissues.
- Salmon: Provides omega-3 fatty acids that can help regulate IOP.
- Berries: Packed with vitamin C and polyphenols that reduce oxidative damage.
- Nuts: Supply vitamin E, an antioxidant that defends eye cells.
- Garlic and onions: Contain sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.
Foods to limit
- Processed carbs: Can spike blood sugar and pressure in the eye.
- Saturated and trans fats: May raise IOP and glaucoma risk.
- Refined sugars: Linked to higher glaucoma prevalence.
- Caffeine: May temporarily increase IOP.
- Alcohol: Associated with poor fluid drainage in the eye.
Ensuring your overall diet includes plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is important for managing glaucoma. Limiting intake of processed foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium is also recommended.
The takeaway on chocolate and glaucoma
Most people with glaucoma do not need to eliminate chocolate from their diet. Enjoying a small serving of dark chocolate occasionally is unlikely to negatively impact eye health for most individuals.
However, those with glaucoma should be aware of their total daily intake of caffeine, sugar and saturated fats from all sources, including chocolate. Careful attention to portion sizes, nutrition labels and your overall diet is key.
Talk to your ophthalmologist to discuss your specific dietary needs related to your glaucoma. With their input and mindful chocolate choices, incorporating a little chocolate can be safe for the majority of people living with glaucoma.