Nutrients
These are the nutrients that are most important in managing eye floaters. In general, by strengthening the health of the retina and vitreous, one reduces the risk of developing new floaters. These nutrients act together synergistically to help lessen the risk of floaters.
Hyaluronic acid - Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) is a large molecule found in the vitreous gel which it is believed contributes to its gel-like quality and may also support related connective tissue. Elsewhere in the body it is found in the gel-like fluid that lubricates joints and it is a component of the tissue healing process. As we age, the amount of hyaluronan in the body decreases.
Glucosame sulfate - Glucosamine sulfate helps maintain connective tissue integrity. Some floaters are caused by disintegration of the lining of the vitreous sac. This nutrient may help slow down the natural aging effect on a weakening vitreous. Many people have noted an increase in floaters when they have joint disorders which may be related to chronic, systemic inflammation and its effect on eye health.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for overall eye health. Since floaters are often the result of vitreous tears/detachments and/or clumping of the vitreous due to aging, vitamin C plays a role in blood and lymph circulation, waste elimination and supporting connective tissue. It may play a role in supporting the body in breaking down eye floaters. Learn more about the role of vitamin C in the body.
L-methionine This amino acid can assist in removal of heavy metals and toxins that can contribute to eye disease. Methionine has a role in the body's synthesis of cysteine and taurine, two other important amino acids for vision health.
Inositol - The carbohydrate inositol plays a role in moderating levels of calcium in the cell membrane and within each cell, which in turn plays a role in protecting the vitreous.
Calcium - Calcium supports healthy connective tissue of the eye and throughout the body. Researchers have found that low levels of calcium (in proportion to phosphorus) is tied to increases in floaters.
Zinc, Copper & Chromium - Zinc has some antioxidant characteristics. It plays a major role in bringing Vitamin A from the liver to the retina and helps Vitamin A create a protective pigment called melanin. Zinc also helps support the health of tiny capillaries in the eye, which are essential in nourishing the retina and related connective tissue. Zinc and copper, in balance, help support a proper acid balance in the body, which in turn helps may help avoid development of new floaters. Chromium may help limit nearsightedness, a risk factor for eye floaters. Chromium also has a role in sugar balance in the body.
Causes
Age Related. Most vitreous eye floaters are age-related and are due to the vitreous gel, which maintains the shape of the back of our eyes, gradually liquefying resulting in the release of protein (connective tissue) into the vitreous gel. More than 50% of people over 70 see them. Some parts of the vitreous may also clump up forming floaters inside the eye.
Diabetes. Floaters are common in diabetics because that condition causes a number of weak capillaries in the eyes that can leak blood, which can clot and be deposited as floaters in the vitreous.
Prebirth. For some people, floaters may appear as a result of bits of cells that never fully dissolved from blood vessels created during prebirth development of the eyes.
Eye Trauma. Trauma to the eye may also cause spots and floaters. Many floaters remain in the eye for a long time before they gradually disappear.
Near-Sightedness. Those who are nearsighted are also at higher risk of developing eye floaters, along with people with food allergies and/or candidiasis (chronic yeast infections).
Kidney Congestion. From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, congestion in the kidney, liver and colon can contribute to development of floaters. The nutrients and herbs we recommend are chosen for their ability to reduce congestion, helping to keep the vitreous free of these little specks and spots. In addition, these supplements help to strengthen the connective tissue of the retina and the strength of the blood veins and arteries.
We believe that chronic stress may contribute to the generation of floaters (as well as any other health condition one may be prone to), so developing a daily routine of mediation, yoga, or relaxation is really important.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A sudden appearance of floaters might be an indication of a retinal or vitreous detachment. Nearsighted people and those who are diabetic are more prone to both floaters and retinal tears. 63% of the population over 70 experience vitreous detachments (10% before then).
If you suddenly see new floaters, see your eye doctor as soon as possible.
See "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a discussion of medications that could be potentially detrimental to your vision.
