Effects of caffeine on cataract development after eye surgery

The Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Cataract Formation After Pars Plana Vitrectomy: a Comparative Study

Not applicable Interventional Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery · NCT06358664

This study is testing if drinking caffeine can help people who have had eye surgery avoid developing cataracts.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment74 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 105 Years
SexAll
SponsorVienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT06358664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between caffeine consumption and the development of cataracts in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy, a common eye surgery. It aims to determine if regular caffeine intake can reduce the risk of cataract formation post-surgery, particularly in patients receiving gas tamponade. The study will compare cataract development in patients who consume caffeine regularly with those who do not, leveraging previous findings that suggest caffeine may inhibit oxygen radical formation, a contributor to cataractogenesis. Participants will be monitored for cataract progression following their surgical procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older scheduled for small gauge vitrectomy with gas tamponade and who have not consumed caffeine regularly.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe cataracts or those who have undergone previous cataract surgery in the study eye may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary modifications that may help prevent cataract formation in patients undergoing vitrectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of caffeine in reducing cataract development, but this specific approach in the context of vitrectomy is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Written informed consent
* No previous cataract surgery in the study eye
* Scheduled small gauge vitrectomy with intraoperative gas tamponade (SF6 or C3F8) due to retinal detachment or macular hole repair
* No regular caffeine consumption (drinking not more than one cup of a caffeine- containing beverage \[e.g. coffee, energy drinks\] at a maximum of two days per week during the past year)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intake of systemic or topical corticosteroids within 3 months before study screening
* Increased risk for postoperative cataract development, for example due to ocular trauma in the history
* Severe cataract (LOCS III grading of any cataract form \>2) in the study eye at pre- study screening
* Scheduled phacovitrectomy in the study eye
* Participation in any clinical trial three month before study screening
* Ocular surgeries six month before study screening

Where this trial is running

Vienna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CataractPars plana vitrectomyCaffeineRetinal detachmentMacular Pucker
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.