Floaters
Synopsis
Floaters are tiny specks, threads, cobwebs, or shadowy shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision, especially when looking at a bright, plain background (like the sky or a blank screen). They are caused by small clumps of collagen or cellular debris inside the vitreous humor—the clear gel that fills the inside of the eyeball.
As people age, the vitreous begins to shrink and liquefy, pulling away from the retina in a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This is a common and usually harmless cause of floaters. However, floaters can also result from eye injuries, inflammation (uveitis), bleeding inside the eye, or rarely, from retinal tears or detachment, which require urgent care.
Floaters are more noticeable in individuals who are nearsighted, have had eye surgery, or are over age 50. Most people learn to ignore them, and over time, they may become less noticeable, though they rarely disappear entirely.
When to see a doctor:
Seek immediate medical attention if floaters appear suddenly, increase rapidly, are accompanied by flashes of light, vision loss, or a shadow over part of your vision—these may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is an emergency.
Natural Remedies
Eye Movement Techniques: Gently looking up and down can shift the floaters out of the central visual field.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration may worsen vitreous gel contraction and floater perception.
Protect Eyes from Trauma and UV Light: Wear sunglasses and avoid harsh environments.
Reduce Eye Strain: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to minimize fatigue and eye dryness.
Eat a Vision-Friendly Diet: Include nutrients that support eye tissue health and reduce oxidative stress.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
turmeric
vitamin E
vitamin A
vitamin C
zeaxanthin
zinc
bilberry
green tea
omega-3 fatty acids