A Common Morning Drink May Harm Your Eyes — Scientists Uncover a Hidden Connection

For millions of people, that first cup of coffee is more than a simple morning routine — it’s the comforting ritual that fuels energy, focus, and productivity. Yet new research suggests that the type of coffee you choose may matter more than you think, particularly when it comes to protecting your long-term vision.

Coffee has long been associated with a range of potential health benefits, including reduced risks of liver disease, some cancers, and cardiovascular issues. However, a recent study indicates that not all coffee varieties may offer these advantages. In fact, one popular form might even pose an unexpected risk to your eye health.

A New Study Points to a Concerning Link

A study published in Food Science & Nutrition reports a possible association between instant coffee consumption and a higher likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — a progressive condition that damages the retina and can eventually lead to irreversible vision loss.

AMD is the leading cause of permanent blindness among adults over 50, so any factor that could influence its development deserves close attention.

In the study, researchers compared three types of coffee:

• Ground coffee

• Decaffeinated coffee

• Instant coffee

Their findings revealed that only instant coffee showed a statistically significant relationship with a higher risk of dry AMD, the most common form of the disease. This result is especially noteworthy because past research suggested that coffee — particularly brewed varieties rich in antioxidants — may actually reduce AMD risk. The contrast between previous studies and the new findings makes this discovery even more intriguing.

Why Might Instant Coffee Be Different?

The researchers suggested a possible explanation for the discrepancy:

“The different effects of various types of coffee on AMD may be related to manufacturing processes, additives, and other factors… the production of instant coffee may lead to the formation of potentially harmful substances.”

Instant coffee undergoes significantly more processing than brewed coffee. This extra processing may alter its chemical composition or introduce compounds that don’t appear in traditional brewing. While the study did not identify a specific harmful ingredient, it highlights the need for deeper investigation into how instant coffee is produced.

It’s also worth noting that instant coffee often contains less of the naturally occurring antioxidants found in freshly ground beans — compounds that may help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress.

How Significant Is the Risk?

According to the study’s data, each standard-deviation increase in instant coffee intake was associated with an almost sevenfold increase in the likelihood of developing dry AMD. Although this figure does not prove causation, it signals a meaningful association that warrants further research.

Dry AMD accounts for around 90% of all AMD cases. It progresses gradually as deposits build beneath the retina, slowly affecting central vision, color perception, and the ability to see fine details.

Who Should Be Most Cautious?

The study suggests that individuals already at higher risk for AMD may want to be mindful of their instant coffee consumption. This includes people who:

• Smoke

• Have high blood pressure

• Live with obesity

• Have a family history of AMD

These risk factors already place stress on the eyes, and anything that could potentially increase that stress may be worth avoiding.

However, it’s crucial to remember: the research shows correlation, not causation. No study has yet proven that instant coffee directly causes eye damage.

Should You Stop Drinking Instant Coffee?

Instant coffee remains wildly popular thanks to its speed, convenience, and affordability. There’s no immediate need for most people to quit drinking it entirely. Still, if you fall into a higher-risk group — or simply want to prioritize your long-term eye health — opting for brewed or ground coffee might be the safer choice for now.

Regardless of your coffee preference, lifestyle habits remain the most powerful way to reduce AMD risk:

• Avoid smoking

• Eat leafy greens and antioxidant-rich foods

• Protect your eyes from UV exposure

• Maintain healthy blood pressure and weight

• Get regular eye exams, especially after age 40

These habits have far more scientific backing than any single dietary factor.

The Bottom Line

A new study suggests a potential link between instant coffee and a higher risk of dry age-related macular degeneration, but more research is needed before scientists can draw firm conclusions. For now:

• Brewed or ground coffee appears to be the safer choice.

• People at higher risk of AMD may consider reducing instant coffee intake.

• Healthy lifestyle habits remain the strongest defense against vision loss.

Instant coffee may save precious minutes in the morning — but depending on your personal risk factors, that small convenience could come with a trade-off worth reconsidering.