Impacts of Camellia sinensis fermentation end‐product (black tea) on retinal microvasculature: an updated OCTA analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tea, second only to water, is one of the most regularly consumed drinks in the world. Its potentially beneficial effects on general health may be enormously important. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) now allows clinicians to examine the acute retinal morphological changes caused by black tea consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute impacts of a Camellia sinensis fermentation end-product (black tea) on retinal microvasculature in healthy individuals using OCTA.RESULTS: In this study, 60 healthy people were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 30) received black tea (2 mg/250 mL of water) and group 2 (n = 30) received only 250 mL of water. Following consumption, AngioVue Analytics software automatically analyzed the foveal, parafoveal, perifoveal macular superficial and deep vascular plexus densities, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter and foveal vessel density in a 300 ∼m wide region around the FAZ (FD-300). Male-to-female ratios were 19:11 and 15:15 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.217). Mean age was 33.27 ± 7.92 years in group 1 and 31.00 ± 7.30 years in group 2 (P = 0.254). Changes in foveal, perifoveal and parafoveal macular vessel density between groups 1 and 2 were not statistically significant. In addition, no significant differences regarding FAZ, FAZ perimeter and FD-300 were observed.CONCLUSION: There were no acute effects of black tea on macular microcirculation in healthy individuals. The authors, however, believe that this study could serve as a model for future research on the relationship between regular tea consumption and general ocular physiology.

Potential therapeutic effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in eye diseases, a review

“…Clinical trials investigating the efficacy of GTE in various ophthalmic diseases have provided valuable insights into its potential therapeutic benefits ( Table 1 ). In a study by Doğan et al, it was observed that black tea consumption did not yield immediate effects on macular microcirculation in healthy individuals, suggesting limited impact on retinal vascular health [ 51 ]. However, other trials have shown more promising results.…”

“… ophthalmic disease number of participants intervention final effect reference retinal microvasculature 60 black tea (2 mg/250 mL water) Black tea consumption did not have any immediate effect on macular microcirculation in healthy individuals. [ 51 ] glaucoma 43 GTE and EGCG extract (capsule 400 mg) Individuals with elevated intraocular pressure or risk factors for glaucoma development may benefit from moderate consumption of GT or its concentrated extracts. [ 52 ] dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) 60 topical GTE (1 mg/5 mL distilled water) Topical application of GTE is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for mild to moderate evaporative dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction.…”