Could coffee be good for your eyes? For many people, coffee is a necessary part of their daily routine. A study done by Cornell University found that a main ingredient in raw coffee – chlorogenic acid, might have a positive effect on eye health and possibly help in preventing retinal damage. While this does not necessarily mean that retinal degeneration can be prevented simply by drinking coffee, it does open the door to the possibility. Further research is needed to determine if coffee consumption actually promotes retinal health.