Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes liquifies and contracts. Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina.
The Most Evidence-Based Treatments for Eye Floaters
Of all natural floater treatments, consuming pineapple (specifically the enzyme it contains, bromelain) is one of the most evidence-based ways to naturally treat floaters already in the eye.
Options may include surgery to remove the vitreous or a laser to disrupt the floaters, although both procedures are rarely done. Surgery to remove the vitreous. An ophthalmologist who is a specialist in retina and vitreous surgery removes the vitreous through a small incision (vitrectomy).
Vitrectomy/Laser Therapy
If the floaters are a major nuisance or severely hinder your vision, the best way to get rid of them is through either vitrectomy or the use of lasers. A vitrectomy is a procedure in which your doctor will remove the gel-like substance (vitreous) that keeps the shape of your eye round.
Yes, dehydration can cause an increase in eye floaters. The vitreous, the gel-like substance in the eye, is 98 percent water. Dehydration can cause the vitreous to lose its shape or shrink, leading to an increase in floaters as the proteins in the vitreous solidify rather than remaining dissolved.
If you've ever noticed shadows or dark spots floating across your field of vision, you are not alone. In most cases, these “floaters” cause no harm and are common, especially as you age. However, if you experience a sudden increase in eye floaters, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Blurry vision, double vision, and loss of vision are all associated with tumors, Schwartz says. You may also see floating spots or shapes—or what's known as an "aura."
If you frequently experience stress you might wonder, can stress cause eye floaters? The simple answer is, stress alone is not responsible for eye floaters appearing. Eye floaters are caused by deterioration of the vitreous humor which often happens as people age.
Floaters are a common ocular symptom for individuals with multiple sclerosis, but MS isn't a leading cause. On their own, floaters don't usually indicate serious conditions. Eye conditions like optic neuritis can be an early warning sign of oncoming multiple sclerosis.
There are currently no medications available to treat floaters. Some people swear by natural remedies like relieving stress through yoga, cutting out caffeine, and maintaining a magnesium-rich diet to get rid of these pesky spots, but so far, no studies have shown that these methods are effective.
VitreousHealth is the first scientifically proven supplement to manage this irritating condition, offering patients a natural option to reduce the symptoms of floaters. Its patented blend replenishes the vitreous with the antioxidants needed to reduce the severity of floaters.
Eye floaters are a result of eye fatigue. A prolonged lack of sleep puts stress on your eyes which is one of the initial symptoms and can lead to eye floaters.
Can screen time cause eye problems such as floaters? Floaters are not associated with screen time. Floaters are caused by changes to the jelly inside the eyeball called the vitreous humour and are unrelated to screen time.
There are no eye drops, medications, vitamins or diets that will reduce or eliminate floaters once they have formed. It's important to continue your annual eye exam, so your eye doctor can identify any eye health issues that may arise. If floaters continue to bother you, visit your VSP network doctor for advice.
The floaters often subside starting within a few days, and all but a few settle to the bottom of the eye and disappear within a 6-month period. Some residual floaters can be seen for life.
Are Dry Eyes and Floaters Connected? Experts have not found a link between dry eye disease and floaters. Eye floaters are age-related changes caused by deteriorating vitreous humor, resulting in tiny floating particles, and dry eye disease is linked to inadequate tear production.
Depending on the initial size, it can take some floaters anywhere from one to six months to disappear. However, some may never disappear completely. In addition to the recommended annual eye examination, you should contact an optometrist immediately if floaters show up in your field of vision.
Introduce healthy foods in your diet such as leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fatty fish. These have essential nutrients to improve eye health and reduce floaters. Improving your lifestyle can significantly reduce eye floaters.
Substances rich in anti-oxidants like turmeric and rose hips have provided relief to many. Rose hips are most commonly found in tea, and turmeric can be located in the spice aisle at your supermarket. This is one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of eye floaters.
Severe inflammation in the eye can cause white blood cells to enter the vitreous, and this can look like floaters. These are more common in patients with autoimmune diseases like lupus or sarcoid.