Research Shows Caffeine Metabolites May Slow Myopia Progression?

The Digital Age and Vision Health

Electronic products have long penetrated every corner of human life. As diligent workers, seamless transitions between mobile phones and computers have become fundamental operations. Under high-intensity work, eyes inevitably become tired, and eventually, that once-proud eyesight gradually fades, making glasses humanity's best friend.

The Global Myopia Epidemic

Currently, approximately 30% of people worldwide are nearsighted, and this number is expected to grow to 50% by 2050, with about 10% of people developing high myopia of 500 degrees or more.

Caffeine Metabolite: A Potential Solution

In recent years, myopia research has focused on controlling axial eye growth and improving iris condition. Previous animal studies have shown that oral 7-MX can slow axial eye growth, but clinical research has been lacking. Recently, a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology indicates that the caffeine metabolite 7-MX can inhibit human axial eye growth, thereby slowing the progression of myopia.

Danish Clinical Research Findings

According to Neuroscience News, Denmark has approved 7-MX for treating childhood myopia since 2009, but it has not been fully validated through long-term studies until now. Researchers reviewed the medical records of 711 children (356 girls and 355 boys) who received myopia treatment at a Danish eye clinic between June 2000 and January 2021.

Among them, 624 children took an average of 470 mg of 7-MX tablets daily (up to 1200 mg), while 87 had not yet taken the medication.

Research Results and Safety

Researchers found that compared to placebo, children taking 400 mg daily had a 0.04 mm reduction in axial eye growth rate in the first year; children taking 1000 mg daily had approximately 0.07 mm reduction in first-year axial eye growth rate; with a cumulative reduction of 0.18 mm over 6 years.

According to reports, during the follow-up period, no children taking 7-MX reported any side effects.

Limitations and Future Potential

Additionally, because 7-MX is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream, currently available immediate-release tablets cannot maintain stable concentrations in the blood even when administered three times daily.

Researchers stated that these findings echo experimental research results. However, they acknowledge that this study is observational and has certain limitations, and cannot explain potential influencing factors such as genetic factors, outdoor activity time, ethnicity, etc.

If future randomized controlled trials can confirm causal relationships and efficacy, 7-MX may become an extremely valuable medication.

Looking Ahead

Perhaps one day, with the power of technology, humanity could achieve clairvoyance. But until then, we can only proceed cautiously, at minimum to preserve our eyesight. Starting with drinking coffee as usual and playing with our phones less.

Image source: Internet

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