Chocolate and Glaucoma

[spectacles49]

Does chocolate increase intra-ocular pressure? I avoid caffeine but should I avoid chocolate too? A GP once told me it has a similar effect to caffeine.

[Pete_uk]

Chocolate has caffeine in it. For me personally I don't feel the effects of a bar anywhere near as much as a cup of coffee

[spectacles49 in reply to Pete_uk]

Thanks, Pete_uk!

[Blindbeggar83]

personally I don’t think it makes a huge amount of difference, and I eat choc a fair bit, though mostly dark chocolate. My Glaucoma pretty much the same as it was 8 years ago. Wouldn’t worry to much about it as long as you use the drops!

[spectacles49 in reply to Blindbeggar83]

Thanks, Blindbeggar83!

[Beecalmed]

I’d say a bit of chocolate won’t do harm.

Chocolate does have caffeine in it but there are reputedly benefits for heart health so I allow myself a square (or two I’m only human after all😂) of 75% dark chocolate daily .

I strongly react to caffeine in coffee so avoid completely and I restrict drinking tea to before noon or I find it keeps me awake. I do think undisturbed sleep is probably beneficial for IOPs generally so I minimise caffeine and anything that disrupts my sleep.

[spectacles49 in reply to Beecalmed]

Thanks, Beecalmed. My GP advised me to give up chocolate decades ago when I was diagnosed with hypertension but recently I read in Heart Matters that chocolate is good for the heart after all! This confused me! But the advice I have received in this forum has clarified things.

[Beecalmed in reply to spectacles49]

Needs to be high cocoa so over 75% and not milk chocolate as that is packed with sugar and fat. One square a day of dark chocolate is the recommended amount.

I think it’s like a glass of red wine with your meal. It’s supposed to be a good thing. However, a bottle with your meal is obviously not very good.

As with all things some of us have more addictive personalities than others. I have to be very strict with myself where chocolate and alcohol is concerned. 🙄

[spectacles49 in reply to Beecalmed]

OK, one square! Thanks.

[whitedog in reply to spectacles49]

I got loads of chocolate bought for me at Christmas and last birthday and I gorged on it every day until it was gone.

No after effects other than feeling a bit sick 😀 My pressures have been stable for a good few years now so I don't think it makes any difference.

[spectacles49 in reply to whitedog]

Thanks, Whitedog!