Here's How to Reduce Eye Floaters Naturally

While eye floaters often disappear on their own, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can speed up the process and alleviate their impact on daily life.

In this article, we'll explore various approaches to naturally reducing eye floaters, from dietary adjustments to simple environmental modifications.

How to Reduce Eye Floaters Naturally

Floaters (vitreous opacities) typically disappear on their own, so you can often just ignore them. Over time, the brain can selectively adapt and ignore eye floaters.

Eye exercises can help if you want to be proactive about reducing floaters. Move your eye around to shift eye fluid and extend your focus to distant objects to avoid looking directly at them.

Other things that can help reduce floaters include:

• Diet changes. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and staying hydrated can improve overall eye health. You should also quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
• Eye health supplements. Supplements like VitroCap N contain various nutrients that protect your eyes from tissue degeneration and reduce oxidative stress.
• Rest. Fatigue can cause eye floaters and other visual disturbances. Resting your eyes and getting enough sleep can minimize strain and reduce floaters.
• Harsh light exposure. Wearing protective sunglasses, limiting screen time, dimming indoor lights, and eliminating glare sources can help reduce eye strain and floaters.

Natural Remedies For Reducing Floaters

Most natural remedies for floaters are subjective and based on personal experience. They aim to boost overall eye health rather than directly address eye floaters. 

For example, pineapples have been linked to a decrease in floaters because of an enzyme called bromelain. It can digest proteins like collagen, which is what floaters are made of.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall eye health. Try to incorporate fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts into your diet.

Foods high in vitamins A, C, and zinc can also help improve eye health. Try eating more citrus fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, oysters, legumes etc.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Reduce Floaters

Simple tweaks to your environment can make a significant difference for your eyes. Try adjusting your lighting at home or switch to softer indirect lighting like lamps. 

Wear sunglasses when you go outside to protect your eyes from UV light and reduce brightness, which makes floaters less obvious. Try staying hydrated throughout the day to keep your eyes lubricated.

Additionally, regular exercise can improve circulation throughout your body, including your eyes. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Professional Treatments for Eye Floaters

You can get professional treatment for eye floaters if they’re persistent and interfere with your daily activities. These include:

• Vitrectomy. Involves removing the eye’s vitreous through a small incision. The goal is to replace the vitreous with a solution that maintains the eye’s shape. 
• Laser vitreolysis. Uses laser treatment to target eye floaters directly and break them into smaller fragments, clearing up your field of vision. 

Most eye doctors don’t recommend vitrectomy if you don’t have severe eye disease. They’ll wait at least 6 months to see if your floaters disappear on their own before considering surgery. Additionally, the surgery doesn’t guarantee that the floaters won’t come back

On the other hand, laser vitreolysis is good for people who have floater symptoms that persist for over four months. However, people with severe eye conditions like cataracts, retinal tearing, or clouding of the cornea or lens aren’t good candidates for laser vitreolysis.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

The most common cause of eye floaters is age-related changes to the vitreous. Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters.

The vitreous can also separate from the retina, potentially causing retinal tears or detachment, which can cause floaters. Eye floaters can also be caused by physical damage, previous eye surgeries, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, or eye infections.

Are Eye Floaters Serious?

Floaters are typically not severe and disappear over time. They are common with age. Most self-resolve within 1 month, but some may take up to 6 months.

However, in rare cases, floaters can indicate eye disease or retinal detachment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
• Flashes of light in the same eye as the floaters
• A dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision
• Blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision

By incorporating natural remedies, making lifestyle changes, and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can effectively manage and reduce eye floaters. Remember, prioritize your eye health and consult an eye doctor for personalized guidance and treatment options.