Caffeine-related exposure and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological associations and tear-related outcomes

Caffeine-related exposure and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological associations and tear-related outcomes. Caffeine-related exposure and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological associations and tear-related outcomes Article Open access Published: 30 October 2026 Cite this article You have full access to this open access article Download PDF View saved research Caffeine-related exposure and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological associations and tear-related outcomes Download PDF Abstract Caffeine intake has been described as a potential lifestyle factor in dry eye disease (DED), but evidence remains conflicting. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between caffeine-related exposure and DED and summarized clinical studies examining tear-film parameters.

Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from inception to March 31, 2026. Twenty-three studies were included: 14 epidemiological studies involving 117,736 participants and 9 tear-parameter studies involving 519 participants. Grouped analysis without separating caffeine sources showed no significant association with DED and substantial heterogeneity (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.74–1.08; I² = 69%).

Heterogeneity decreased in adjusted estimates (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80–1.05; I² = 40%). After excluding the tea-specific study, the remaining adjusted studies showed a significant inverse association (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.96; I² = 0%). Tear-parameter studies suggested transient increases in tear secretion after pure caffeine, while beverage-based effects on tear stability were inconsistent.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions and treatment options.