A daily cup of coffee can save eyesight from deteriorating due to glaucoma, aging and diabetes, say Cornell University researchers writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. And it isn’t the caffeine but rather the chlorogenic acid, which is an antioxidant shown to experimentally stop retinal deterioration. The retina is made up of a thin tissue layer on the inside back wall of the eye. It contains light-sensitive cells and nerves to take in and organize visual information. Because it is so active, it needs more than an average amount of oxygen and is also subject to high levels of oxidative damage.

The researchers exposed mice eyes to nitric oxide to produce free radicals, causing retinal damage. However, mice given the chlorogenic acid experienced no damage.

Previous studies indicate reduced risk for Parkinson’s, prostate cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and age-related memory loss when people imbibe the world’s most popular drink.