Eye Floaters Explained: What Causes These Cobweb-Like Structures and Can Supplements Get Rid of Them?

On a clear day, some people might observe small cobweb-like structures drifting across their field of vision. This mysterious condition is known as eye floaters or formally, muscae volitantes, which is Latin for 'flying flies.'

Though it can be bothersome when squiggly lines or rings randomly appear, these floaters are typically benign and don't necessitate medical intervention. But what causes them and how couled they be cured?

Causes of Eye Floaters

Eye floaters manifest as shapes like cobwebs, specks, or loops in your field of vision. They tend to drift with your eye movements and elude direct gaze.

These visual disturbances result from age-related changes in the eyes, as the vitreous, a jelly-like substance, undergoes liquefaction and contraction. Loose clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous, casting tiny shadows on the retina, which we perceive as floaters.

Floaters are a normal and harmless occurrence, primarily associated with aging. As the vitreous thickens and shrinks with age, it undergoes degeneration, forming clumps of collagen. While floaters don't indicate other eye conditions, they can be distracting, prompting some individuals to explore natural remedies to alleviate them.

Treatment for Eye Floaters

Can Supplements Help?

Eye floaters can be an annoyance, prompting a desire to find solutions. Dr. Sarah Brewer, a GP, suggested that the supplement Clearer from Theia Bio could be a natural solution to address annoying floaters. However, it does not align with Dr. Brewer's statements, which lack explicit claims of eliminating floaters.

According to Theia Bio's website, Clearer comprises antioxidants and antiglycation micronutrients, claiming scientific evidence supporting a 70% reduction in eye floater size and visual discomfort over six months. While the company references a study on its website as proof, assessing floaters poses challenges due to the vitreous's mobility.

Eye movement causes vitreous opacities (floating objects) and their corresponding shadows (floaters) to shift, complicating accurate measurement. Additionally, the study involved a limited trial of 26 participants, reporting opacity sizes in a 2D measure (cm²), raising doubts about the efficacy of the dietary supplement in reducing floater size.

Natural Remedies

While surgery is the widely accepted treatment for bothersome eye floaters, natural at-home remedies can enhance overall eye health, potentially reducing floaters' distraction and annoyance without eliminating them.

• Balanced- Modify your diet to potentially reduce floaters by incorporating foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, ginger, or turmeric, rich in vitamin A and beneficial for blood circulation.
• Vitamins and Supplements- While vitamins and supplements supporting general eye health may not directly address floaters, including Ginkgo biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in your diet could aid blood flow and enhance vision, potentially reducing floater presence. Adequate hydration and a balanced diet are essential for vision, providing key nutrients.
• Lifestyle Changes- Quitting smoking is recommended to enhance blood circulation and reduce the likelihood of floaters. Additionally, stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, along with prioritizing regular sleep, contribute to overall eye health. Taking breaks from electronic devices is crucial to minimize eye strain, promote vision protection, and potentially mitigate the sev
• Adapt to Your Environment- Use dim indoor lights and opt for lamps instead of bright overhead lights. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection in bright outdoor environments can help decrease awareness of floaters. Additionally, ensuring adequate lighting during activities such as reading is advised to prevent unnecessary eye strain, offering practical measures to minimize the impact of floaters on visual comfort.

It's crucial to consult a doctor promptly if floaters have worsened or when there experiencing flashes. Although floaters may not completely disappear, they often become less bothersome over time, and stress-reduction techniques may help in learning to ignore them effectively.

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