Imagine sitting at your computer or using your phone. Seeing smudges or specks on the screen can definitely be annoying. Eye floaters are like this but the annoying specks are seen in our actual vision. Are these a bad sign? Learn how to reduce floaters in eyes naturally by following this advice.
What are Eye Floaters?
Using the example mentioned above, eye floaters (myodesopsia) are akin to having debris or smudges on your gadget screens. However, while we can easily wipe our screens, we can’t do that to our actual eyes.
Taking a closer look at the anatomy of the eye, there is a gel-like fluid called vitreous humor. This fluid is made up of water, collagen, proteins, and a few other materials. Its main function is to fill the space and give our eyes their round shape, much like water in a water balloon.
Normally, the vitreous humor is crystal clear so that when light enters the pupil it reaches the retina at the back of the eye largely undisturbed. However, due to aging, wear-and-tear, and poor eye health, substances in the vitreous humor can start to clump and stay suspended for some time.
Now, when light passes through the pupil the suspended clumps or “floaters” cast a faint shadow on the retina. We see these as small “squiggles” or light shadows in our field of vision. These shadows stay even when we blink or shift our gaze. They are most noticeable when you look at a white or light-colored background. Floaters themselves do not cause any sort of pain or discomfort.
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally
Firstly, it is important to note that floaters are common, especially as we get older and the more we strain our eyes. Floaters are not harmful but seeing them can be distracting or annoying. Rarely do floaters need medical treatment or removal. Sometimes, floaters can be concerning if they obscure vision or you have other eye problems such as glaucoma or retinopathy.
With that said, there is no actual way to remove floaters but we can try preventing them. Floaters seem to disappear over time because our brain learns to ignore them after some time. Additionally, floaters eventually settle toward the bottom of the eyeball after several months. Therefore, if you start seeing floaters, don’t stress over it.
Factors that contribute to floater formation:
- Age
- Poor nutrition
- Dehydration
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Being nearsighted (myopia)
- Eye injuries or surgery
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally: Remedies to try
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally: Flicking
This is an unconventional method but it may work for you. Flicking your eyes involves quickly and repeatedly shifting your gaze. Focus on an object and rapidly look up and down or side to side. You can try doing this several times a day to help move the floaters away from the center of the vitreous humor. However, rapid eye movements can make some people feel dizzy and can make floaters move more.
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally: Diet and Supplements
Being generally healthy is probably the best way to prevent floaters due to aging. Make sure that you are always well-hydrated, as a major component of the vitreous humor is made of water. Lack of water can make it more viscous which allows proteins and other materials to clump together.
An eye-friendly diet includes fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin A, C, E, and zinc. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation, which is another component of the vitreous humor. Lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene are other substances that can promote good vision health. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining nerve and retina function. Eye health supplements often include these ingredients.
Good examples of food that contains these nutrients include:
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Kamote or sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Bell peppers (capsicum)
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Citrus fruit (e.g. lemons, oranges)
- Salmon, tuna, sardines
- Avocado
- Egg yolks
- Nuts
- Beef
- Chickpeas or garbanzo beans
Additionally, having diabetes can contribute to floater formation and retinopathies. Avoid eating too much refined and simple sugars and carbohydrates. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and take your maintenance medications to control your blood sugar.
How to Reduce Floaters in Eyes Naturally: Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Lastly, avoiding eye strain can help reduce floaters and other vision problems. Staring at a screen too long without blinking dries the eyes out and can cause blurred vision. Eye drops can help lubricate your eyes. Alternatively, take breaks from the screen every 20 minutes. Look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
If you can, try standing up and walking or do some physical activity. Sitting for long periods can be a health hazard on its own, although it doesn’t really affect your vision. Stepping away from your computer or gadget from time to time not only gives your eyes a chance to rest but can also make you more productive in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Some ways to reduce floaters in eyes naturally include flicking your eyes, diet, and the 20-20-20 rule. However, floaters are usually normal and do not cause major problems. It is best to leave them alone and focus on maintaining your overall health.
Learn more about Other Eye Issues here.
