Coffee reduces risk of eyelid disorder

More good news for coffee lovers. Research now suggests that one to two cups o' joe a day can help prevent or delay the onset of blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is a condition where the eyelid blinks uncontrollably. Most everyone experiences eye twitches now and then. Even prolonged twitches are not to be confused with the chronic forms of blepharospasm. Primary late onset blepharospasm and benign essential blepharospasm may start as a subtle tic, but can progress to a serious condition. In extreme cases, the eyelid will remain closed creating functional blindness, though the eye itself is perfectly healthy. Blepharospasm is thought to be caused by malfunctioning of the basal ganglia situated at the base of the brain.

An Italian research team at the University of Bari conducted a study to note the effects of coffee on blepharospasm. Increased coffee consumption reduced risk of the condition or delayed onset by 1.7 years per each additional cup of coffee per day. Previous studies have indicated that Parkinson's symptoms may be helped by the caffeine in coffee due to the blocking of adenosine receptors. Researchers believe this same function may be the link between coffee consumption and reduced blepharospasm risk.